Products
Processed products made from whey and whey powder with various flavors are available in pharmacies and drugstores, among others (e.g. Molkosan, Yuma Molke, Biosana). Fresh whey, on the other hand, is rarely used because it has a short shelf life.
Structure and properties
Whey is produced during the manufacture of cheese. It is the yellowish to green liquid pressed from the curdled milk. The components of whey include:
- Water
- Carbohydrates: milk sugar (lactose)
- Proteins, amino acids: whey protein, see under Whey Protein.
- Vitamins (eg B group) and minerals (eg calcium, potassium, phosphorus).
- Whey, however, contains virtually no fat
It gets its color from the vitamins of the B group (riboflavin).
Areas of application
- As a refreshing drink.
- When fasting or losing weight.
- As a natural vitamin supplement, tonic or dietary supplement.
- As a “detoxifier”.
- As a mild laxative.
- For the production of whey cheese (ricotta, ziger, brown cheese from Norway).
- Whey protein for weight training.
- Rivella contains processed whey.
Adverse effects
Whey contains milk sugar (lactose) and can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in people with lactose intolerance. It should not be taken if you are allergic to cow’s milk. The taste of whey takes some getting used to and is not accepted by all people.
