Cow’s milk is composed of two main proteins, 80% casein and 20% whey. In the process of making cheese and milk sticks, the casein protein that experiences precipitation becomes curd (forming clots) and leaves the liquid part as the residue called whey.
So far, whey has only been used as fertilizer and animal feed. However, as technology and knowledge developed, whey began to be favored by make-up and culinary producers.
According to a lecturer at the Faculty of Animal Husbandry, Universitas Brawijaya (Fapet UB), Ria Dewi Andriani, S.Pt., MP., M.Sc, whey still contains milk besides protein, such as lactalbumin, lactoglobulin, immunoglobulin, lactoferrin, and so on.
She and the Lecturer team consisting of Dr. drh. Masdiana Ch. Padaga., M.App. Sc, Dr.Ir. Manik Eirry Sawitri., MS, Dr. Abdul Manab, S.Pt., MP., Dr. Premy Puspitawati Rahayu., S.Pt., MP, and Mulia Winirsya Apriliyani, S.Pt., MP, make health drinks made from whey.
Spices are added in the production process, so that increasing the content of essential amino acids, which have better biological value than protein from meat, nuts or other food ingredients.
Masdiana said that the immunoglobulin in whey contains serum which functions as an antioxidant and increases immunity, while the content of lactoferrin has the ability as an antimicrobial and antitoxin. Then, the bioactive components can increase glutathione production as a prevention of free radicals.
So, the combination of whey and spices is effective as an antioxidant that acts in terms of boosting the body’s immune system during a pandemic, such as the current phenomenon.
They conveyed this explanation to the community which was covered in community service activities, Saturday (7/11/2020). The activity, which was carried out online, was attended by various levels of society from various professions, such as entrepreneurs, lecturers, the Food Security Service of Sumenep Regency, agricultural extension agent, housewives, and the activator group of PKK RT. 1 RW.7 Tidar Housing, Malang City.
“It can be concluded that whey protein can be an alternative to consume functional drinks that have immunomodulatory properties, namely activating the immune system in the body.” explained Masdiana who was asked as speaker.
“We hope that through production and marketing in the form of trending health drinks can increase the economic value of whey, which has been considered as waste.” concluded (DTA / Humas UB/ Trans. Iir)
