Throwing Away Leftover Paneer Water? Here’s How You Can Use IT

‘Paneer ka pani’ also known as whey water is a byproduct of the paneer making process. Generally, people discard this water after extracting paneer from it but it contains good amounts of protein and is not worth wasting. While paneer is popular in Indian cuisine, the nutrition packed whey water is often overlooked. But how to consume this leftover water? 

Before focusing on its uses, let’s explore the health benefits and nutritional value of this whey water. 

Nutritional Benefits Of Whey Water

ResearchGate in a study stated, “Whey water contains more than 90% water. It also has a high content of lactose (75% of the dry matter), a low content of fat, soluble milk proteins (approximately 20% of total milk proteins) and various minerals. It also contains other components, such as citric acid and lactic acid, non-protein nitrogenous materials such as urea and uric acid and group B vitamins, mainly vitamin B1 (thiamine), vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine).” 

How Can You Use Whey Water? 

There are several lesser known ways to add this nutrition packed water in your daily routine, find some below.

Soups 

You can use this nutrition rich water while making soups instead of plain water. It will add nutrients to your soup which already has nutrition rich vegetables. It will give a little hint of paneer flavour. 

Also read: Lean Protein Vs Protein, Here’s How You Can Distinguish Between The Two

Curries

While making sabzis and curries, add home made whey water to it to enhance its taste and increase its nutritional value. 

Nutrient-Rich Beverage

Whey water is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious beverage. Simply chill the whey water and drink it as a refreshing and hydrating drink. You can also add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of honey for added flavour.

Fermented Foods

Whey water can be used as a starter culture for fermenting foods like vegetables, fruits, or grains. The natural probiotics in whey water help promote gut health and digestion.

Smoothies and Shakes

Add whey water to your smoothies or shakes for an extra boost of protein and nutrients. It blends well with fruits, yoghurt, and other ingredients, making it a versatile addition to your smoothie recipes.

Also read: Fact Or Myth: Vegetarian Food Does Not Provide Enough Protein

Skincare Tonic

Whey water can be used as a natural skincare tonic. It contains lactic acid, which helps exfoliate the skin and improve skin texture. Simply apply whey water to your skin using a cotton ball and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing off.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whey water is a highly nutritious and versatile ingredient that can be used in various ways to promote holistic health. Instead of discarding it, consider incorporating whey water into your diet and skincare routine for its numerous health benefits.