As a child, you may have recited the Little Miss Muffet nursery rhyme about the young girl who ate her “curds and whey.”  You may have wondered, “what is whey?” When milk is manually separated in the process of making cheese and cottage cheese, a plasma-like solid is produced as well as a watery, yellow serum that rises to the top of the container. This watery substance is whey, while the other portion, with manipulation and heat, eventually becomes cheese.

Until recently, whey was merely a by-product of the cheesemaking process and was traditionally tossed away as refuse.  However, later chemical examination proved the usefulness of whey; it is currently used in several industries for a variety of purposes and can be found at an Orlando chemical supply company as well as in grocery and nutrition stores.  Whey is distinguished by grades, in that “Grade A” whey is produced with Grade A milk in a Grade A facility.

What was in the chemical composition of whey that caused such a stir in industries?  How did whey become such a powerhouse in health and bodybuilding?  Along with lactose – milk sugar – and vitamins and minerals, whey contains proteins.  In fact, whey contains a significant amount of perfect proteins since it encompasses all the essential amino acids in perfect proportions. Because the demands of weightlifting and an active lifestyle tax the body’s muscles, protein is necessary to maintain and supply proper growth.  Many health conscious individuals supplement their diet with whey in the form of a white or cream-colored powder, which is created after the watery portion is removed via precipitation, filtration, or other means.  Because it is either tasteless or bland in flavor, whey is easily added to liquids for a healthy, nutritious snack. However, bodybuilders are not the only individuals who benefit from whey.  Recent research proves whey may assist in memory retention, reduce cancer rates, improve immunity, and protect the body from dangerous diseases.

Whey has other uses as well.  Product developers apply this useful ingredient in baked goods and confections, beverages, dairy and meat products, soups and sauces, salad dressings, etc.  Since its humble beginnings as a by-product, researchers are finding new, healthy uses for whey every day.

As a leading Orlando chemical supply company, Bell Chem offers fast delivery of hundreds of chemical products including EDTA. With several seaports located within a few short hours, our Orlando chemical supply company is positioned as the “go to” supplier on a national and international level. To learn more about our products, including Grade A whey, call Bell Chem today at 407-339-2355.