STIR IT UP: Don’t discard the liquid on top of your yoghurt (Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
A well-known television medic has issued a vital plea for people to stop throwing away what he describes as ‘liquid gold’ for our wellbeing. Dr Amir Khan, a familiar face on Morning Live, used his social media platform to highlight a common kitchen mistake that sees many of us pouring nutrients down the drain.<\/p>\n
The doctor revealed that the thin, watery layer which often settles on top of yoghurt in the fridge is actually a powerhouse of nutrition<\/a>. Known as liquid whey, this substance is a natural by-product<\/a> of the fermentation process and is packed with essential vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n “Nothing’s spoilt, nothing is split, nothing is bad,” Dr Khan<\/a> reassured his followers while demonstrating with a pot of yoghurt. Instead of tipping this liquid away, he urges everyone to simply stir it back in to reclaim the lost nutrients.<\/p>\n MORE ON FOOD<\/p>\n \u00a0“Guys, I just want to say, you know this watery stuff that develops on the top of yoghurt overnight and stuff? Don’t throw it away. I know it looks a bit odd, but it’s actually meant to be there, and it’s called liquid whey. It naturally separates out from the yoghurt because yoghurt is a fermented food<\/a>,” he explained.<\/p>\n According to experts at The Dairy Alliance<\/a>, whey is a complete protein source containing all the essential amino acids your body needs. While it was once seen as a waste product by the dairy industry, it is now prized for its functional health properties and high concentrations of potassium and B vitamins, reports Howard Lloyd in The Mirror<\/a>.<\/p>\n Beyond the basic vitamins, the specific composition of whey makes it highly digestible. For those looking to support their gut health<\/a>, keeping this liquid in your diet provides a direct boost to the beneficial bacteria<\/a> found in fermented foods like yoghurt.<\/p>\n The benefits of whey extend far beyond simple digestion, with research from the NHS highlighting<\/a> its role in managing blood sugar<\/a>. A 12-month study found that consuming small amounts of whey protein before meals could significantly help control glucose levels for those at risk of type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n Blood sugar control: Whey protein stimulates the release of insulin and gut hormones that slow down digestion.Muscle maintenance: Its rich amino acid profile supports muscle repair and bone strength, particularly after exercise.Weight management: When mixed back into a balanced diet, it promotes satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer. <\/p>\n Need a yoghurt maker? <\/p>\n This article contains affiliate links and we may receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more<\/a>.<\/p>\n Prices correct at the time of publication.<\/p>\n READ NEXT