While Asia considers ways to tackle bird flu, one Japanese company claims that some birds’ nests themselves might provide protection against flu and other viruses.
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Functional food makers Combi Corp say their researchers found that swift nests – made entirely from the bird’s saliva and used to make birds’ nest soup – contain high levels of a sticky acid that the body uses to neutralise viruses such as influenza.
The nests, composed of a white gelatinous substance secreted by the salivary glands of the grey rumped swiftlet, will be used to make health foods says the company, though prices may be prohibitive.
Fetching US$30-40 each, one nest can make two batches of soup.
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By GlobalData
