Does consuming bird’s nest really help improve your complexion? We ask an R&D team

There’s a supplement for seemingly every ailment these days – to thicken and grow hair, reset your gut health, and even boost your overall energy. But long before the world of supplements expanded, bird’s nest was the go-to beauty supplement that Asian women and men indulged in.

The delicacy is often referred to as the “Chinese Fountain of Youth” or even “Elixir of Life” as it is known to help preserve youth and vitality. However, nutrients in dietary supplements are directed first to our body, with a negligible amount that goes to our skin, so are the beauty benefits of bird’s nest simply an old wives’ tale?

To find out how bird’s nest can scientifically help to improve our skin’s condition, we reached out to New Moon’s Research and Development (R&D) team. Read on to learn more about the facts and myths of consuming the health staple, and find the best bird’s nest for your concerns.

What is bird’s nest and how is it created?

As its name suggests, bird’s nests are cultivated in the swiftlet’s houses. They’re often located in urban areas near the sea, where the birds are naturally inclined to flock to. According to the R&D team, the swiftlet pair will start building their nest made from their saliva when they’ve started breeding to prepare for the arrival of their babies.

“When young swiftlets reach maturity to fly and live independently, they would leave their nests, leaving the nests empty and ready to be harvested by the owner of the swiftlet house,” the team says.

“Our company employs ethical practices when sourcing for bird’s nests, the harvesting process of bird’s nest is 100% swiftlet-friendly,” the R&D team lets on. “All of New Moon bird’s nest products are manufactured under strictly controlled conditions, and production is certified by HACCP and GMP standards.”

Does consuming bird’s nest help improve our complexion?

The answer is yes. Research has been shown to support bird’s nest’s reputation as a veritable superfood. They contain vital amino acids, which contribute to the production of growth hormones associated with younger-looking skin and healthy metabolism.

“In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bird’s nest is considered to be medicinal. It helps to improve skin health, restore lung functions, and act as a supplement for prenatal and postnatal health,” the team explains. “It also boosts the immune system and enhances recovery from surgical and wound health.”

“Edible bird’s nests are rich in sialic acid and glycoprotein, which are believed to increase cell tissue repair, promote cell division, increase cell proliferation, and improve brain function.”

Some bird’s nests are also high in collagen, which is often referred to as the body’s scaffolding as it is the most important structural protein in your skin. It can improve and boost our body’s collagen and collagen production, providing anti-ageing skin benefits and other medical benefits like joint and muscle improvements.

Besides that, the R&D team says that “bird’s nest contains several components that have a high nutritional value for the human body.” Surprisingly, there are higher concentrations of amino acids in bird’s nest compared to usual protein-rich foods, such as milk and eggs.

These amino acids not only help to strengthen the immune system, but they also maintain the skin’s hydration, resilience, and overall healthy appearance.

What are the other benefits of consuming bird’s nest?

Besides offering skin-boosting and tissue-repairing benefits, bird’s nest is also good for the lungs. As a matter of fact, the R&D team says, “TCM prescribes bird’s nest as a treatment for tuberculosis, asthma relief, dry cough, hemoptysis, voice improvement, dyspnea, and general debilitation of bronchial illnesses.”

Bird’s nest also provides therapeutic effects and works as an expectorant (a medication that thins and loosens mucus in the airways), cough suppressant, and throat reliever.

Is bird’s nest safe for pregnant ladies and breastfeeding mothers?

As long as you aren’t allergic to bird’s nest, you can consume a bottle daily as it is also safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mums. “In fact, it
has nourishing properties, which is good for the lungs and skin,” the team shares.

“However, as pregnant women may experience hormonal or psychological differences at this stage, it is recommended to seek professional medical advice before consuming any supplement.” This also applies to breastfeeding mothers.

What’s more, all of New Moon’s bird’s nest and collagen supplements do not contain any bleaching agents and are produced in halal-certified factories. However, only some will bear the Halal logo on the packaging.

“For newly launched variants, each product will have to be submitted separately for halal certification. As such, the halal logo will only be present on the next batch – this process can take up to six months,” the R&D team explains. “That being said, we would like to assure you that our products are definitely halal compliant in terms of ingredients and handling.”

Which bird’s nest is best suited for my concerns?

Ready to give your skin and health a helping hand by introducing bird’s nest into your daily routine? Then you’ll want to start with New Moon’s range of bird’s nest.

You’ll also be pleased to know that every bottle of New Moon’s Bird’s Nest goes through a high temperature treatment during their retort processing, which means they’re heated at 115°C for at least 30 minutes. “This process reliably kills all commonly occurring microorganisms, making it sterile and safe for consumption,” the R&D team shares.

Keep reading to find the best bird’s nest drink for your concerns.

Supplements to boost your beauty and wellbeing

The most popular bird’s nest variant from New Moon’s offerings, the brand’s Bird’s Nest with White Fungus and Rock Sugar is a staple supplement that strengthens your immunity, helps you recover from chronic illnesses, and adds radiance to your skin.

White fungus – also known as Snow Fungus – is a key ingredient that nourishes the lungs, stomach, and body. Rich in amino acids and minerals, it replenishes the skin’s moisture and restores skin elasticity for supple, glowing skin. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it can also help to accelerate wound healing, collagen production, and boost overall immunity.

For a premium twist, the Bird’s Nest with White Fungus is also available as Bird’s Nest White Fungus with American Ginseng & Rock Sugar, another variant with the added benefits of American ginseng.

This nutritious root has long been used in traditional Chinese medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and energy-boosting properties. It reinforces “Qi”, your body’s vital energy, to help fight fatigue and tiredness. Together with white fungus, the drink reduces stress, lowers your blood sugar levels, cools and balances your body, and even aids in preventing cardiovascular diseases.

It even comes in a festive carton pack of 24 bottles, so gift your guests a luxurious yet healthy treat!

Luxurious supplements for beauty junkies

Know someone who takes extra great care of their skin? Or perhaps that person is you. Well, New Moon’s Bird’s Nest Collagen Strips and Bird’s Nest Collagen with Manuka Honey are the ones to get.

A beauty recipe in a bottle, the Bird’s Nest Collagen Strips contain a harmonious blend of bird’s nest and hydrolysed marine collagen peptides to strengthen your skin barrier and reduce inflammation, granting you fairer, more radiant skin. It also maintains good health and strengthens your immunity, so you’re ready to take on the new year.

Even better, New Moon uses a special advanced proprietary technology to infuse fish collagen strips into the formula for a jelly-like texture that also provides beauty benefits.

The Bird’s Nest Collagen with Manuka Honey is also great for your skin and body. It boasts 100% pure New Zealand manuka honey, which is an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant-rich ingredient that’s been used traditionally for wound healing, soothing throats, and improving digestive issues.

Some studies have also shown that manuka honey relieves abdominal discomfort and bloating to improve gut health. You won’t see many bird’s nest formulations around that are infused with manuka honey. In fact, this unique product is the only one of its kind.

Available offline at selected leading supermarkets, petrol kiosks, and convenience stores islandwide. Also available online on New Moon’s Official Website and on major online platforms.

Premium gifts for mums and those recovering from pregnancy or illnesses

Looking to get a thoughtful gift for mum or a loved one who’s recovering from pregnancy or illness? Pick up the New Moon Superior Bird’s Nest with Rock Sugar or Premium Concentrated Bird’s Nest with Rock Sugar.

The Superior Bird’s Nest with Rock Sugar contains real, superior bird’s nest strips that have a silky, gratifying texture for a refreshing experience. Its improved formula boasts 20% more bird’s nest in each bottle, and it’s certified with the Healthier Choice symbol as it contains lower levels of sugar.

Apart from promoting cell regeneration that’s beneficial for your overall wellbeing, it also regulates your respiratory and digestive functions. This bird’s nest supplement is also available as Superior Bird’s Nest with Collagen and Rock Sugar, which contains bovine collagen strips for a more satisfying texture.

Available offline at selected leading supermarkets and pharmacies islandwide. Also available online on New Moon’s Official Website and on major online platforms.

For a premium touch, gift your loved one the Premium Concentrated Bird’s Nest with Rock Sugar. Made with 100% genuine concentrated bird’s nest that’s been meticulously hand-harvested and cleaned, it is free of stabilisers, added flavouring, colourants, and preservatives, so you’re getting the cream of the crop for your body and skin.

It comes dressed in red and gold for a luxurious, decadent look too.

Available exclusively online on New Moon’s Official Website and on major online platforms.

For a daily boost of nourishment

A great alternative to unhealthy, sugary drinks, New Moon’s new range of bird’s nest drinks are perfect for everyday refreshment and nourishment. They even come in packs of 20 bottles, so you can treat your guests this Chinese New Year.

Quench your thirst with the Everyday Collagen with Bird’s Nest and Real Honey, which contains real honey and marine collagen. Honey is a great source of antioxidants and has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties too, which is why it’s often used as a natural remedy for sore throats and coughs. The polyphenols present in honey also play an important role in preventing heart disease too.

To bolster the formula, the Everyday Collagen contains collagen to promote cell regeneration for healthier, fairer skin. Plus, the drink isn’t too sweet either.

Craving for a refreshing and nourishing drink that’ll perk you right up? Try the Bird’s Nest Collagen with Green Tea.

Mineral- and antioxidant-rich green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which improves skin’s health, aids with weight loss by boosting your metabolism, and lowers your risk of cardiovascular disease. EGCG also protects your cells from damage and provides an anti-ageing effect, boosting the skincare benefits of bird’s nest.

For an aromatic experience, indulge in the new Bird’s Nest Collagen with Osmanthus.

In TCM, osmanthus is a well-known herb that improves the skin, detoxifies the body, and boosts lung health, thanks to its nutrient-rich content. Polyphenols and niacinamide strengthen your immune system while increasing your body’s antioxidative defenses.

What’s more, osmanthus naturally detoxes and eliminates the body’s toxins, which is why it helps energise and refresh your body. The osmanthus variant also lowers blood pressure and keeps you alert during the day, so it’s perfect for a daily pick-me-up.

To lift your overall vitality, treat yourself to the Bird’s Nest Collagen with Red Dates.

Rich in flavonoids, carotenoids, and phenolic acid, red dates are one of the most popular health ingredients around. It replenishes and nourishes the blood, thereby improving blood circulation.

This high-fibre ingredient is also a natural sweetener that’s good for brain function – great for boosting your memory and learning ability.

Available exclusively online on New Moon’s Official Website and on major online platforms.

This article is brought to you by New Moon.