Not easy to make the right choice

Friday October 30, 2009
The Star


SWITLFETS make their nests using interwoven strands of their saliva.

The gelatinous and semi-transparent substance is much sought after by the Chinese for its rich nutrients that are said to enhance one’s health and beauty.

They are easily available in most Chinese medicine halls as bottled nests in sugary soup and boxes of whole nests.

Malaysian Federation of Associations of Bird’s Nests Merchants secretary Mah Swee Lye, shared some tips on how to choose the bird’s nests.


photo: A swiftlet sitting on a nest.

First and foremost, no two bird’s nests are the same.

“If they are genuine ones made by the swiftlets, their shapes and sizes vary,” he said.

Secondly, they retain a fishy smell.

“Flies are attracted to the pile of nests we harvested, showing that genuine bird’s nests really do have an odour,” Mah said.

Thirdly, the whiter it is, the more cautious one should be because it might have been bleached.

“It’s okay if the nest contains tiny bits of feather — this is a sure sign that the nest is made by swiftlets,” Mah said.

While it is not easy to differentiate genuine and fake bird’s nests just by looking, he advised consumers to shop for reliable brands.

Beauty: Benefits of bird’s nest

NST
2009/08/31


TO restore the skin strength and elasticity, and combat skin ageing, the new Nutox Oxyfusion range now includes top-grade bird’s nest and Nuroxygen (inspired by hyperbaric oxygen therapy).


Bird’s nest, famed for its health and beauty benefits, is rich in active glyco-protein, calcium, iron, phosphorus, iodine, vitamins and minerals.

Along with collagen and active protein, bird’s nest helps in maintaining a youthful and radiant skin, and promoting skin renewal. The essence does not only prevent wrinkles but also shield the harmful effects from the environment.

The BNest Collagen, enveloped in Nuroxygen, enables the organic ingredient to break into the epidermis easily for maximum result, and simultaneously improve the skin structure, making it visibly firmer and stronger.


The result is a younger-looking and healthier skin as the Nutox Oxyfusion formula revives its natural smoothness to create a natural glow.

The Nutox Oxyfusion range includes cleanser, toner, serum, moisturiser, sun block, spot corrector and eye cream. It is available at selected retail outlets nationwide.