Have you been throwing away the watery whey on top of your yoghurt? NHS doctor calls it ‘liquid gold’

The liquid whey that sits on top of yoghurt is rich in nutrients your body needs, making it healthier for consumption (Image: Pexels)

• Liquid whey on yoghurt is nutritious and safe, not a sign of spoilage
• Dr Khan advises mixing liquid whey back into yoghurt for added health benefits
• Liquid whey contains protein, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins

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It isn’t unusual to find watery stuff sitting on the top of your yoghurt, but it definitely looks unpleasant and makes you wonder at least once whether the yoghurt is out of date. Most of us throw it away, thinking it’s useless, but NHS doctor Amir Khan, in his new video, cautioned against doing so.

Dr Khan took to his Instagram account and shared what it is actually called. “I just want to say, 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,” he explained.

He further detailed why the liquid whey sits on top of the yoghurt and how it’s not a sign that it has gone bad or contains fat. He added, “It naturally separates out from the yoghurt because it is a fermented food. Nothing is spoiled, nothing has split, nothing is bad, it’s not fat.”

Also read | Health benefits of yoghurt: The must-have superfood to lower blood sugar, aid weight loss, make bones strong

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A post shared by Dr Amir Khan GP (@doctoramirkhan)

In fact, the NHS doctor shared that it is rich in nutrients your body needs, making it healthier for consumption. He also compared it to liquid gold in his caption. “It’s actually where a lot of nutrition lies, this kind of liquid stuff. So it contains protein, calcium, potassium, and B vitamins, and it’s really good for your gut health.”

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Dr Khan advised not to waste it away, adding, “Don’t pour it down the sink. I know it’s really tempting. You’re literally tipping away nutrients your body can use.” If you are wondering what to do with it, he said, “Just mix it into the yoghurt and it is really good for you. It’s just normal fermentation. That’s what yoghurt is. Don’t waste it, and your body will thank you.”

Many people took to the comments, sharing what they actually do with the liquid whey. One wrote, “Great tip, Amir. I pour it into my overnight oats and chia.” Another commented, “I put it in my smoothie with the yoghurt.” For those who threw it away, it was quite a wake up call. A follower said, “Glad I saw this video, I need to change my yoghurt tub opening habits.” Another wrote, “Omg, I have been pouring it away.”

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.