Originally, whey was used as an animal feed and later research was conducted into he benefits of whey when Veterinarians noticed that the animals became healthier after being fed with whey.

What is Whey?
Whey contains many similar ingredients in mother’s milk and they are very high in quality proteins. So of all the proteins, whey is no doubt the best! Whey proteins supply the body with many essential amino acids and is a precusor to building muscles, enhances endurance and reduces muscle deterioration.

Where does whey come from?
As we know that there are 2 main proteins in milk:casein and whey, so whey comes from the process where milk is turned into cheese and when liquid is separated from the casein protein, that liquid is whey.

The 2 ways of obtaining whey:
The fastest way to obtain whey is from the top of the yogurt. Yes, the little liquid that forms on top of the yogurt with the extra nutrients. I don’t recall seeing whey in those processed and flavored yogurt that are sold in the supermarkets though. I make my yogurt at home, so must check out the shops’ chillers one of these days!

Making your own whey is quite simple but it needs time so I haven’t done it for a long while.
The only ingredient you need is plain yogurt which is mostly available in the local supermarket. Place a strainer sitting on a high pot or pitcher and line the strainer with 2 layers of cheese/muslin cloth. Next, pour in the yogurt and leave to drip until it slows down, then take the four ends of the cloth and tie them tightly to a long wooden chopsticks or spoon. Put the utensil across the container’s opening and with the yogurt now suspended in the container, leave it to hang until the drips stopped completely. Now, what you have collected in the pot is the whey.

What are some of the benefits of whey proteins?

• Enhances your immune system and fights infections by raising the body levels of glutathione, a powerful anti-oxidant that produces by the body to protect cells and neutralise toxins.
• Promotes fat loss by enhancing the release of glucagons that builds muscles and burns fats and inhibiting the release of insulin.
• Assists in building muscles by stimulating protein synthesis.
• Encourages bone growth thus helping to prevent or slow down osteoprosis.
• Reduces stress and alleviates depression by slowing the production of cortisol, a stressful hormone and promote the release of serotonin which is a calming neurotransmitter.