Swiftlet nest, also known as the “caviar of the east”, is one of the popular luxury food ingredients in Asia, especially in Indonesia, China, and Malaysia. In addition to being eaten in the form of Swiftlet nest jelly, Swiftlet nest can also be processed into various delicious and nutritious dishes, one of which is Swiftlet nest milk.
Swiftlet nest milk is a beverage made from a mixture of milk and Swiftlet nest. Swiftlet nest itself is known to be rich in nutrients and has various benefits for human health. Here are some benefits of Swiftlet nest milk:
1. Maintaining Skin Health
The collagen content in Swiftlet’s nest can help maintain skin health, increase skin elasticity and moisture, and reduce signs of aging.
2. Boosting Immune System
Swiftlet’s nest contains immunomodulatory compounds that can help boost the immune system and fight various diseases.
3. Improving Eye Health
The sialic acid content in Swiftlet’s nest can help maintain eye health and prevent vision disorders.
4. Maintaining Bone Health
The calcium content in Swiftlet’s nest can help maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis.
5. Increasing Breast Milk Production
Swiftlet’s nest milk is known to increase breast milk production in nursing mothers.
6. Boosting Stamina
The protein, amino acid, and natural sugar content in Swiftlet’s nest can help boost stamina and energy in the body.
Based on the explanation above, it is known that Swiftlet’s nest milk has high nutritional content and is often considered a healthy food. However, like any other food or beverage, consuming Swiftlet’s nest milk excessively can cause side effects on the body. Some possible side effects of Swiftlet’s nest milk are:
1. Allergies
Swiftlet’s nest milk contains protein that can cause allergies in some people. Allergy symptoms that may occur include skin rashes, itching, swelling of the face or lips, and difficulty breathing. If you experience these symptoms after consuming Swiftlet’s nest milk, immediately stop consumption and consult a doctor.
2. Digestive Problems
Consuming Swiftlet’s nest milk in large quantities can cause digestive problems, such as diarrhea, bloating, and stomach pain. This can happen because Swiftlet’s nest milk contains high amounts of fat and protein, which take longer to digest by the body.
3. Weight Gain
The high calorie and fat content in Swiftlet’s nest milk can cause weight gain if consumed excessively. Consumption of Swiftlet’s nest milk should be balanced with physical activity.
4. Microbial Contamination
Unhygienic production or improper storage of Swiftlet’s nest milk can cause contamination by bacteria or other microorganisms. This can cause infections in the body, such as food poisoning.
To avoid the side effects of Swiftlet’s nest milk, it is recommended to consume it in balanced amounts and ensure that the Swiftlet’s nest milk consumed comes from a trusted producer. It is better to consult with a doctor or nutritionist before regularly consuming Swiftlet’s nest milk.