Whey: Characteristics, Applications and Health Aspects

Cheese whey utilization is one of major concerns nowadays. Its high organic matter content (BOD and COD concentrations), in combination with the high volumes produced and limited treatment options make cheese whey a serious environmental problem. To overcome this issue, various technological approaches have been employed to convert whey into value-added products. It is now transformed into products such as whey powder, whey protein, whey permeate, bioethanol, biopolymers, hydrogen, methane and electricity bioprotein (single cell protein). Therefor it is no longer a „by-product‟, but is rather seen as a valuable „co-product‟ of cheese making and casein production. Whey protein comprises 20 % of total milk protein and it is rich in branched and essential amino acids, functional peptides, antioxidants and immunoglobulins. It confers benefits against a wide range of metabolic diseases such as cardiovascular complications, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cancer and phenylketonuria. Whey characteristics, applications and health properties are covered in this review

Keywords:

Cheese whey , whey protein , health , applications