Should I consume bird's nest during confinement?
This centuries old Chinese delicacy is coveted for it's health and beauty properties. But is it beneficial for a mummy during confinement? Find out now.
As you know, bird’s nest during confinement is sworn by mums, grandmas and great grandmas for their beautifying and health properties. But are they safe to be consumed during your confinement period?
If you’re undecided on whether you should take bird’s nest, we discuss its pros and cons and how it will affect you.
Image courtesy: stock image
Bird’s nest during confinement
The bird’s nest soup is a Chinese delicacy that has been around for over 400 years. It is made from the nest of a particular type of bird, the swiftlet, found in parts of South East Asia.
The nests are made out of the saliva strands of the bird which contain protein, calcium and other vitamins and minerals. It is the saliva that is said to pack a powerful punch and makes it a much sought after delicacy.
Health benefits for mummy
Consuming bird’s nest during confinement is said to have many health and restorative benefits for consumers young and old. Some of these include regulating blood supply, maintaining a beautiful and bright complexion and enhances the rebirth of cells and tissue due to the presence of a polypeptide hormone – Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) in bird’s nest.
Due to this EGF, many TCM practitioners have advocated the consumption of bird’s nest during confinement and pregnancy. The EGF supposedly helps the mum recover faster from childbirth as well as improve both her and baby’s complexion (especially if breastfeeding is involved).
Not all good
However, not everyone is sold on the benefits of bird’s nest during confinement. Many mums out there swear against bird’s nest during confinement as it is believed to be a ‘cooling’ food and should be avoided during confinement (where one is supposed to be consuming ‘heaty’ foods instead). The ‘cooling’ factor is believed to increase the chances of your child developing asthma.
Image courtesy: stock image
Bird’s nest is also made up of the gelatinous strands. When not cleaned properly (of the twigs, feathers etc) it can be quite harmful to a recovering mum in confinement.
Should I or shouldn’t I?
So the question then is whether you should take it during confinement post-pregnancy or not. We believe that if you choose to take bird’s nest during confinement, do so moderately (once or twice a week). You should also be very selective when getting the bird’s nest. Because there are those of inferior quality as well as those which have been chemically treated and bleached.
These bird’s nests can be harmful to both you and your baby. Thus, it is important to get your bird’s nest supply from a trusted brand such as Eu Yan Sang and Hock Hua.
We hope you found this information useful. Do also share with us your thoughts on consuming bird’s nest during confinement. Below is a video of how to prepare bird’s nest soup.