Yanwo, also known as bird's nest or swallow's nest, is a precious nourishing food with various benefits such as nourishing Yin, moisturizing dryness, nourishing Qi, and beautifying the skin. It is highly popular among women. Some people believe that there may be side effects if women consume bird's nest every day. Let's discuss this below.
Side Effects of Women Consuming Bird's Nest Every Day
In general, women consuming bird's nest every day will not have side effects.
Bird's nest has a sweet taste and neutral nature. It has the effects of nourishing Yin, moisturizing dryness, and replenishing Qi. It can be used to treat deficiency, cough, asthma, and other symptoms. For women, it is a nourishing food for beauty and anti-aging. It has no toxic side effects. Therefore, if the dosage and contraindications are taken into consideration, women consuming bird's nest every day will generally not have side effects.
Appropriate Amount of Bird's Nest to Consume
5-10 grams.
It is generally recommended to consume about 5-10 grams of dried bird's nest at a time. If the amount is too small, the original therapeutic effect may not be achieved. The protein in bird's nest is not easily absorbed and utilized by the human body. Consuming large amounts for a long time may lead to energy accumulation and burden the kidneys.
Contraindications for Consuming Bird's Nest
1. Patients with a cold
During a cold, it is advisable to promote the release of pathogenic factors and avoid tonics. Bird's nest is a food with strong nourishing effects, and taking it during a cold may cause stagnation of pathogenic factors in the body, leading to worsening symptoms or prolonging the duration of the cold.
2. Individuals allergic to proteins
The main nutrient component of bird's nest is protein. Therefore, individuals allergic to proteins should be cautious when consuming bird's nest to avoid allergic reactions such as vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, rash, and itching.
3. Individuals with poor gastrointestinal function
Bird's nest contains abundant proteins that are not easily digested and absorbed by the gastrointestinal system. Therefore, individuals with poor gastrointestinal function should avoid consuming bird's nest to prevent a decrease in its effectiveness or exacerbation of symptoms such as indigestion, diarrhea, and loose stools.
4. Individuals with stagnant phlegm
Stagnant phlegm is caused by poor water and dampness transformation function of the spleen and stomach. The treatment should focus on invigorating the spleen and eliminating dampness, rather than tonifying. Bird's nest is a food with strong nourishing effects, and consuming it may cause the stagnation of phlegm in the body, leading to symptoms such as edema, cold limbs, sticky mouth, and laziness.
Precautions for Consuming Bird's Nest
1. Reduce the intake of greasy and spicy foods
During the consumption of bird's nest, it is advisable to reduce the intake of greasy or spicy foods. This is because bird's nest contains abundant proteins, and eating it together with greasy or spicy foods may cause symptoms such as indigestion and gastrointestinal discomfort.
2. Avoid consuming it with tea
Tea contains tannic acid, which may react with the proteins in bird's nest and destroy its nutritional components, affecting the absorption of its medicinal effects by the gastrointestinal system. It is recommended to have a time interval of about 1-2 hours between consuming the two.
3. Avoid consuming it with acidic foods
Examples of acidic foods include lemons, hawthorn, and black plum. These acidic substances may react with the proteins in bird's nest and potentially reduce its nutritional value.
Tips for Maximizing the Effects of Bird's Nest Consumption
Bird's Nest with Rock Sugar
Ingredients: 15 grams of bird's nest, 10 grams of red dates, appropriate amount of rock sugar.
Instructions:
1. Soak the bird's nest in water and remove impurities. Wash the red dates and remove the pits. Set aside.
2. Boil an appropriate amount of water in a pot.
3. Add the bird's nest and red dates. After boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 1 hour.
4. Then add the rock sugar and cook until dissolved.
Bird's Nest with Tremella and American Ginseng
Ingredients: 10 grams of tremella, 5 grams of American ginseng, 15 grams of bird's nest.
Instructions:
1. Soak the tremella and bird's nest in water, then wash them.
2. Put the tremella, American ginseng, and bird's nest in a clay pot.
3. Add water.
4. Stew over low heat for about 3 hours.
5. Finally, add rock sugar and stir until dissolved.
