What Are the Benefits and Effects of Fish Maw?
Fish maw, similar to bird's nest, is highly valued for its nutritional benefits. It comes in various types, all of which have been verified to be beneficial for our bodies. Common varieties include red-lipped fish maw, yellow flower fish maw, golden dragon fish maw, and spider belly fish maw. Each type offers slightly different benefits, allowing individuals to choose the most suitable one based on their needs.
Modern Chinese medicine recognizes fish maw for its ability to enhance the digestive and absorptive functions of the gastrointestinal system, improving appetite and aiding in the prevention and treatment of symptoms such as loss of appetite, indigestion, and constipation. It also strengthens muscle tissue, eliminates fatigue, enhances brain function, promotes growth and development, improves thinking and intelligence, and maintains normal glandular secretion. It can also help prevent and treat symptoms such as sluggishness, poor child development, insufficient milk production in lactating mothers, and forgetfulness and insomnia in the elderly.
Due to its high gelatin content, fish maw also has the effects of promoting blood circulation, replenishing blood, stopping bleeding, and dispelling cold and dampness. This makes it particularly beneficial for those with weak constitutions, deficiencies in true yin, and excessive mental strain. Additionally, fish maw can aid in the recovery of surgical wounds. When consumed 15-20 days after surgery, it can promote better wound healing. The rich gelatin content of fish maw also has nourishing and rejuvenating effects on the body.
For women, fish maw is an excellent choice for replenishing collagen. Collagen accounts for 70% of the protein in human skin and forms a network structure that supports the skin, giving it a smooth, plump, soft, and elastic appearance. As we age, the rate of collagen loss in skin tissue gradually exceeds the rate of production, leading to a loss of elasticity, thinning, aging, sagging, wrinkles, and dryness. Therefore, timely supplementation with collagen can restore skin's youthful vitality. Although many friends may choose commercially available collagen oral solutions or capsules, these often contain artificial additives, especially hormones, which can have negative effects on the body with frequent consumption. It is therefore advisable to exercise caution and choose natural, unprocessed products like fish maw, which are free of hormones and artificial additives.
The main components of fish maw include high-grade collagen, mucopolysaccharide substances, various vitamins, and trace elements such as calcium, zinc, iron, and selenium. Its protein content is as high as 84.2%, while its fat content is only 0.2%. The abundant biological macromolecules of collagen in fish maw serve as raw materials for the body to replenish and synthesize protein, which is easily absorbed and utilized. Fish maw can effectively enhance immunity, suppress cancer cells, activate cells, prevent skin aging and wrinkles, activate bones and joints to alleviate arthritis and soreness, and has particularly notable effects in blood replenishment, hemostasis, nourishing yin, and lubricating the body.
