Whey: useful properties and contraindications

Since ancient times, people have used as food products with animal origin. One such product is dairy whey, which is popular to this day.

Probably everyone knows what whey looks like. But about the benefits and harms of such a product few people know.

Fact! Currently, such a sour milk drink is widely used not only in the field of cooking, but also in cosmetology and even in the medical field.

Nowadays, whey is most often used as an ingredient in dough used to make baked goods and confectionery products. Some people consume this drink in its pure form. Whey has a unique composition, it is enriched with vitamins, minerals, macro-and micronutrients.

What is whey

Whey is presented as a liquid composition, which is formed during the processing of dairy products to produce kefir, cheese, cottage cheese. Such products are obtained as a result of coagulation of milk, when after exposure to high temperatures the mass is decanted and filtered. In fact, it is a byproduct of processing, but few people know what useful properties this substance has. Milk whey is considered to be a full-fledged drink, which provides the human body with good health, normalizing the functioning of all organs and systems. In addition, this product is widely used in cosmetology and is a component of some medical products.

Serum is usually presented as a turbid liquid with a specific sour milk odor. The color of the product varies from white to pale yellow. It has a sweet and sour taste. The product derived from hard cheese varieties has a sweeter taste, while whey derived from the production of cottage cheese or soft types of cheese has a sour taste.

Types of

There are three types of whey:

1. Assy whey - obtained in the production of cheese.
2. Curd - made when milk is processed to create bryndza, cottage cheese, and sour milk.
3. Casein - extracted in the manufacture of casein.

Their main difference is the taste of each species. So, cheesecake has a sweet taste, cottage cheese is characterized by a sour taste, casein is something in between the previous two. Also, all three types of whey differ in composition, calories, the amount of BFA, the complex of vitamins and minerals. Each type of fermented milk drink is useful in its own way. For example, cottage cheese whey has beneficial properties in the treatment of stomach diseases, cheese whey - in skin diseases, and casein products helps strengthen the immune system.

Also, whey can be unsalted and salted. The only difference is in taste - unsalted has a taste of cottage cheese, and salty resembles cheese.

Composition and calories

In the composition of whey, 90% is the usual water. However, in addition to water, it contains many useful components for the body. These include important amino acids and mineral elements in the form of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, iron, magnesium and vitamins such as nicotinic acid, ascorbic acid and B vitamins. This product is also characterized by the presence of other useful substances. These include citric, formic, and lactic acids. Nitrogen and oxygen are present in small amounts.

The caloric value of the product is very low - only 20 kcal per 100 ml of liquid.

Useful properties of whey

General usefulness

To benefit from milk whey, you need to consume it regularly for several weeks. If such a drink will be constantly included in the diet, it will benefit the body, namely - regulate the functions of the gastrointestinal tract, get rid of unpleasant symptoms in the chronic form of pancreatitis and gastritis, improve the metabolic process. Whey also improves blood circulation, strengthens the walls of blood vessels and normalizes blood pressure.

Whey will help strengthen the immune system and make the body resistant to infectious and viral diseases. If you have chronic fatigue, insomnia, prolonged stress, this dairy product will help to cope with them. Also milk whey can improve the condition of the skin and strengthen the hair follicles, protecting them from dandruff.

For women

The useful properties of milk whey can be used by women who have various gynecological diseases. It will help get rid of thrush, genital herpes, colpitis. It contains lactose, which is necessary for the development of lactobacilli responsible for healthy vaginal microflora. Also, these components can inhibit the reproduction of yeast fungi. Such an easily available remedy with antifungal effect can be used both internally and externally.

For men

Men whey helps men to build muscle mass with constant exercise, restore strength, replenish energy. The drink prevents weakness and physical exhaustion. Athletes regularly consume this product, using it to make protein shakes.

Also whey has a beneficial effect on the hair, stops the process of hair loss and helps to get rid of dandruff.

In addition, whey is an effective antidepressant, which allows you to reduce stress levels and helps the body to adapt quickly to new conditions. The consumption of such a drink leads to the synthesis of the hormone serotonin, which is responsible for a good mood.

When pregnant

During the period of carrying the baby, pregnant women often have problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Regular inclusion of whey in the diet of the future mother will normalize the digestive system. Also, this product protects the bones of the woman herself and contributes to the proper formation of the child's skeleton. If a pregnant woman has problems with her joints, such a drink will provide them with reliable protection.

Milk whey regulates weight during pregnancy. This drink improves mood and regulates concentration. In addition, such fermented milk products provide the body with energy and strengthens the immune system, which is very important during the period of pregnancy.

For kids

The properties of milk whey can have a positive effect on the body of children. The drink enriches it with vitamins, ensures the healthy development of the nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems of the child. However, it is important to observe the dosage of this healing product. It is not recommended to give babies more than 300 ml per day, otherwise you can harm your health.

As you know, whey has an unusual taste, which not all children like. So that children will consume such a product willingly, it can be added to berry cocktails, to prepare on its basis kissel or jelly. For example, if you add such an ingredient to juice, its benefits will not decrease, and there will be no harm from mixing products too.

It is important to remember that each dairy product has its own contraindications and can be harmful. Therefore, before the inclusion of milk whey in the diet of a child must be consulted with a specialist.

What is the usefulness of goat whey

Milk whey is a byproduct of milk processing. However, not only cow's milk is used to produce it, goat's milk can also be used for this purpose, as it contains many antioxidants. And this indicates that goat products are characterized by a pronounced rejuvenating effect.

Goat milk is used as a remedy for diseases of the upper respiratory organs and is used to normalize blood pressure in hypertensive patients. It is also able to negate the effects of heart attacks and strokes. Amino acids contained in goat milk prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver, protect against the effects of toxic substances and alcoholic beverages. The benefits of goat milk is also available in products made from it, particularly in whey.

In addition, goat milk whey contains a chemical element such as cobalt, which has hematopoietic properties. The benefit of such a drink is that it contains a large number of amino acids, which is especially useful for athletes. For children, such a drink is a source of vitamins and minerals necessary for normal growth and development.

The benefits of dried whey

Dried whey is made only from natural raw materials. This product is characterized by a salty-sweet taste and has a white or yellowish hue. It is almost odorless, sometimes there may be a slight specific aroma. Dried whey has a number of useful properties, which are used by athletes-athletes to build muscle mass. For such a whey is characterized by the presence of a rich vitamin composition. B vitamins in this product have a beneficial effect in the case of avitaminosis. Due to the large amount of vitamins and minerals, dried whey is used to manufacture infant formulas. Such nutritious mixtures are very easily absorbed by the child's body.

Dried whey can be consumed every day, which will provide the body with the necessary amount of protein without harming the weight. The product is able to effectively satisfy the feeling of hunger. This allows it to be used during a diet. For the elderly, the mixture is useful in the treatment of atherosclerosis, heart and vascular diseases, hypertension.

For children, dried whey is useful with high content of vitamins, macro- and microelements, which strengthen children's immunity. The product is able to restore microflora of the gastrointestinal tract. Of particular use is dry whey on the basis of goat's milk. It helps in the treatment of lung failure, helps improve blood composition in such a diagnosis as anemia.

How to drink whey to lose weight

The benefit of milk whey for weight loss is the low calorie content of the product. If you reduce the volume of the usual portion, switch to a proper diet and include whey in your diet, it will help to normalize the metabolism, which will help you get rid of unwanted pounds faster. The amino acids contained in the drink will maintain normal muscle mass while losing weight and minimize possible harm. To do this, you need to drink a glass of whey in small sips half an hour before a meal. The best effect can be achieved by drinking a chilled drink. You can add herbs or your favorite spices to it.

Very often during the diet, whey cocktails are used in food. For this purpose, the sour milk product is mixed with vegetable, fruit or berry juice. Such drinks have a refreshing taste and help you lose weight. The recipe for such a vitamin cocktail is very simple. You only need to grind 300 grams of strawberries or other berries to form a puree. Then, the resulting mass should be mixed with one liter of whey. If desired, you can add a little sugar, or better yet, honey. The berries can simply be thoroughly mixed or you can use a blender. The result will be a wonderful oxygen cocktail, which is not only tasty, but also useful.

Whey of milk in medicine

Milk whey has always been popular among villagers. It was considered healing and widely used in folk medicine in the treatment of various diseases. Simple recipes were handed down by word of mouth, but more complicated recipes with higher efficiency were written in special books and were known only to a small circle.

Today, interest in the treatment with whey has increased again. This product is now even available in supermarkets. However, it is believed that for the treatment it is better to prepare it yourself or buy it from trusted vendors. Now there are many known recipes based on whey, which can be used as an additional therapeutic agent for various diseases.

For diabetes

Scientific research on the use of whey in the treatment of diabetes is still underway, but there are already first results, which prove the benefits of the product for people with this diagnosis. Scientists in Israel have determined that whey protein has almost the same effect as medications used for diabetes. Consuming this fermented milk product before meals increases the synthesis of insulin. Regular use of whey promotes the production of a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels after a meal and does not allow it to rise. It is enough to drink a glass of whey per day, divided into three meals. One part of the drink should be diluted with two parts of water and used before meals.

It should be remembered that such a fermented milk product is an auxiliary remedy, which cannot replace the main treatment. Regular use of the serum requires consultation with a specialist.

Important: The glycemic index of whey is 24 units.

In pancreatitis

With this disease, whey is the main source of macro- and microelements and vitamins. The drink restores the work of the digestive system. For the treatment of pancreatitis, it is recommended to consume two glasses of milk whey a day for 10 days.

For gastritis

Milk whey is recommended for use in such a disease as gastritis. This is explained by the fact that the drink helps to increase the production of gastric juice in gastritis with reduced acidity. As a therapeutic agent, this product should be taken before meals. Even if there are pronounced symptoms of gastritis, there will be no harm from the use of whey. Therefore, it can be taken almost until the disappearance of unpleasant symptoms.

For the intestines

Whey from milk is an excellent product for the normal functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. The drink helps to cleanse the intestines and restore healthy microflora in it. Whey is useful for inflammation of the mucous membranes, dysbacteriosis. To cleanse the intestines, you can drink a glass of fermented milk drink with the addition of two teaspoons of salt on an empty stomach.

Whey will help cleanse the intestines from worms and various other parasites. To get such an antihelminthic composition, you need to drink a glass of the drink every morning with the addition of a small amount of crushed garlic in it. Such a useful remedy should be taken for four days, no more.

With constipation

The problem with constipation is also able to solve just milk whey. This product is a good remedy to remove the discomfort of such an ailment as constipation. The natural drink should be mixed in equal parts with the juice of carrots and drink half a glass in the morning on an empty stomach. Such a procedure will help to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins.

With gout

Gout is characterized by increased levels of uric acid in the joints. To get rid of the symptoms of this disease, you should consume a glass of lactic acid whey every time before a meal. The benefit of this drink for the joints is that the useful elements of the product establish the removal of deposited salts from the body.

For the liver

Whey, obtained in the manufacture of cottage cheese, is useful for the liver because the rich vitamin and mineral composition helps to cleanse the organ of toxins and slags. If you consume the whey for three days at 300 ml, you can achieve purification of the body from various toxic substances, which will improve the function of the liver.

How to drink whey for medicinal purposes

Milk whey is beneficial not only for the internal organs. The benefit of the product is also manifested in diseases associated with the skin. Such a product is excellent for inflammatory skin processes, irritations, in the presence of wounds, ulcers. The serum has a disinfecting and wound-healing effect. You can use it and externally for treatment of damaged skin or add to a variety of ointments and creams.

The use of whey improves the condition of blood vessels, strengthens their walls and reduces the symptoms of varicose vein disease. To prepare an effective cure, you need to take a few leaves of mint, pour boiling water on them and insist for 30 minutes. The resulting infusion should be mixed with 150 ml of whey. Drink this drink three times a day before meals for three weeks.

When taking whey, you can get rid of migraines and headaches. It is possible to get an effective result by taking two glasses of the fermented milk drink daily. Whey has a positive effect on the blood vessels, as a result of which the painful spasms associated with migraines go away.

Milk whey in cosmetology

The benefits of the dairy byproduct are not only expressed when taken orally. Whey is excellent for hair and skin care. The fermented milk product improves the condition of the epidermis and strengthens the hair follicles. In addition, the serum helps to get rid of flaky skin on the face and at the roots of the hair.

For face

Milk serum has a cleansing, moisturizing and nourishing effect on a woman's facial skin. You can prepare a mask that will improve the tone of the skin, even out the complexion. To prepare such a simple mask you need to heat milk whey to 37 degrees to preserve all the useful components. After that, a piece of gauze or a cotton pad should be soaked in this liquid and wipe the face, neck and collarbone area. The mask should be kept until it dries completely. After that, you should rinse the composition with warm water. For the best effect, such a procedure should be carried out several times a week.

To normalize the condition of oily skin, you can also use a serum of milk. To make the mask you will need to mix 100 ml of drink with a tablespoon of wheat flour. Also in the resulting mass you need to add the white of one egg. Ready mask should be applied to cleansed skin and kept for 15-20 minutes. At the end of this time it is necessary to wash with warm water. Milk serum is useful for oily facial skin so that such a home remedy normalizes the production of fat, eliminates inflammation and provides deep cleansing of pores.

Hair

Dairy serum can not only ensure the health of the scalp, but also have a beneficial effect on the hair, making it more obedient, voluminous and filled with shine. To prepare a nourishing hair mask you need to slightly warm the serum in a water bath to a temperature of 38-40 degrees, no more. After that, the entire mass should be distributed on the entire length of the hair, special attention should be paid to the roots. Then the head should be covered with plastic wrap and a towel. This is done to achieve a sauna effect. Keep the mask for half an hour, then wash it off. Milk serum will give noticeable results when using a mask with its addition once a week.

You can also prepare a mask that stimulates hair growth. To do this, you will need to mix a small amount of nettle broth and whey from milk. The resulting mixture should be distributed over the entire length of the hair, paying special attention to the roots. You should also wrap your head with polyethylene and a towel, but it is better to use a special cap. If you do not have one, you can wrap the curls themselves with the food film, which is very effective if you are struggling with dry hair tips. Hold such a mask should be half an hour, and then it should be rinsed and let the hair dry naturally. Such a useful mask should be applied at least twice a week.

Harm and contraindications

Before you start treating various diseases with whey, it is important to study the contraindications and possible harm from the use of this drink. As stated earlier, the main part of whey consists of water, and only a small percentage is given to the content of vitamins and minerals. The harm from such a product is minimal, but still it is present.

1. It is not recommended to use it if you are not susceptible to milk protein.
2. Whey has a slight laxative effect. In most cases, such a product is useful, but if you use it in large quantities, you can get an upset gastrointestinal tract.
3. Milk whey can harm the body when the product is improperly made or it has expired. In this case, the drink has a cloudy structure with a smell of rottenness and has a bitter taste. It is necessary to remember that in an expired product bacteria actively reproduces, and if you use such a composition, you can get poisoning or an infection.

It is important before using such a healing drink to consult with a specialist, to comply with the daily rate, which is determined individually.

How to store whey at home

Sour milk drink has a short shelf life. It is possible to use fresh milk whey if no more than five days have passed since the drink was made. If you use it as an ingredient in the preparation of various dishes, you can use milk whey, which was prepared even 10-12 days ago. After this time has elapsed, the product is capable of harming the body.

Store milk whey is recommended in the refrigerator, in glassware. It is inadmissible to get direct sunlight on the product. This will cause the whey to be harmful to the body. The homemade product should be stored in a glass, tightly closed container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for at least a month.

As for the purchased whey, the packaging indicates the shelf life until the bottle is opened. After opening such a bottle, the drink can only be stored for 2-3 days.

Be sure to store whey in the refrigerator. It refers to perishable products, and if you use an unripe beverage, you can get serious food poisoning.

How to make whey at home

To obtain whey you need to have only 2 ingredients in the kitchen - sour cream (you will need 1 tsp) and milk (2 liters).

1. Boil homemade milk (store milk is simply heated to 40 degrees).
2. Add a spoonful of sour cream, mix together.
3. Leave the milk for 24 hours in a warm place to ferment.
4. Keep for 30 minutes in a water bath. The milk should curdle.
5. Strain the whey from the curd through gauze.

Cool the drink at room temperature, pour into a jar and place in the refrigerator.

What to make with milk whey

Milk whey is a popular ingredient in cooking. There are many recipes with the addition of such a component. For example, you can prepare pancakes from the whey.

Fritters .

For this you will need a glass of sour milk product, 250 g of flour, three tablespoons of sugar, 0.5 teaspoon of baking soda and a little vegetable oil. To begin with, you need to warm a little milk whey. After that, add sugar and a pinch of salt and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Then add flour and mix until a homogeneous consistency is formed. Next, enter the baking soda and mix thoroughly so that it is evenly distributed in the mass. After making the dough, you need to heat a frying pan, add a couple of spoons of vegetable oil to it and lay out the pancakes in small portions.

Fry on medium heat on both sides until they get a ruddy hue. When frying it is necessary to add oil periodically, but in small amounts, as the fritters can quickly absorb it. In this way you get puffy fritters, which are served hot.

Pancakes

Another common dish using whey is pancakes. To make them you will need 0.5 liter of whey, a glass of flour, two eggs, a teaspoon each of salt and baking soda, 5 tablespoons of sugar and a small amount of vegetable oil.

First of all, you should beat the eggs, salt and sugar with a fork until the grains completely dissolve. Add a couple of spoons of vegetable oil to the resulting mixture and whisk for another 30 seconds. After that, enter a glass of whey, flour and mix until all lumps disappear. Next, add the baking soda and mix everything thoroughly so that it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Then you can pour the remaining amount of whey. Should turn out a homogeneous liquid batter for pancakes. After this, the batter should rest for 10 minutes.

After this time, you can begin frying. To do this, you need to grease a frying pan with oil and heat it up. It remains to form pancakes, fry for 30 seconds on one side at low heat, then use a spatula to lift the edge of the pancake and flip it to the other side. The finished pancake is removed from the pan with a spatula. The rest of the pancakes are cooked in the same way. As a filling, you can use jam or sour cream.

Can I use whey during Lent?

When observing Lent, the complete exclusion of products of animal origin is assumed. Whey is a product of the processing of milk, so you should not eat it during Lent. If there are serious illnesses, especially gastrointestinal diseases, then such people are usually made an indulgence. But it is better to ask the priest about it. Also the exceptions are small children and pregnant women.

It is desirable to replace dairy products with fruit and vegetable juices for the period of Lent.

Milk whey for plants

As is known, milk whey has a rich vitamin and mineral composition. Such a drink is useful not only for the human body. It can also be used as a fertilizer for plants. Whey can also be used as a prophylactic agent for fungal infestations of plants.

But here it is also important to use it sparingly. So, to make whey a fertilizer, it must be diluted in water at room temperature. In this case, take one part of the fermented milk product and ten parts of water. For a more effective result, you can add ten drops of iodine to the solution.

To spray the plants, you can prepare a solution of whey and water in a 1:3 ratio. To make such a mixture stick better to the leaves, you need to add a small amount of laundry soap, pre-shredded on a grater.

In addition, whey can be used to prepare a means used as a bait for garden pests. To do this, pour the product into small containers and hang it overnight on tree branches. In the morning, all pests will be in the whey.

Is it possible to give whey to the dog

Up to about one year of age, the pet's diet must necessarily include products of processed milk. However, their rate should be about 25-30% of the daily diet. Whey protein is dietary and light. It is recommended to give it to your dog in the first half of the day as a separate meal. Even very young puppies can be given cottage cheese with whey.

Whey takes part in the normalization of the intestinal microflora of the pet. This ensures complete digestion, smooth functioning of the stomach and strengthens the animal's immunity.

Adult dogs can also consume whey, but not more often than 1-2 times a week. If the dog does not eat this byproduct, there is no need to force it.

Interesting facts about whey

1. In the 18th century, milk whey was considered a miraculous healing substance and the elixir of youth. At that time, there were even specialized medical facilities, where the main medicine was the whey of milk. It was believed that you had to drink about four liters of this fermented milk product for treatment.
2. In the cities of Switzerland, which are famous for the production of cheese, whey is considered a very popular product. It is used to make a special drink, which is very popular with both locals and tourists.
3. Scientists have proved that even the daily consumption of three spoonfuls of milk whey prevents the synthesis of stress hormones, stimulating the production of serotonin - the hormone of joy.
4. Compared to an anti-wrinkle cream that works on the surface, whey milk penetrates the deeper layers of the skin. This suggests that the effectiveness of this sour milk product is much higher. Thus, the active ingredients in the cream are about 10% of the total mass, while the active ingredients in the serum occupy 50-70%.
5. It is believed that the serum is not recommended for use before the age of 30 years. In fact, after 25 years, girls should use it to prevent the appearance of wrinkles.

Photo of whey milk