Sounds too good to be true, something as simple as Low-Fat Chocolate Milk used as a post-exercise recovery aid!

Researchers are proving study after study that chocolate milk may benefit active people in several different ways. Current studies focus on three areas; 1) Chocolate milk’s role in refueling muscles after a workout, 2) White/Chocolate (fat-free/low-fat) milk’s impact on reducing exercise-induced muscle damage and building muscle after exercise, 3) Comparison of milk and other drinks for hydration after exercise, and its ability to replenish needed electrolytes and fluids.

Take a look at how the unique package of nutrients in milk can benefit athletes:

* Protein to help build muscle and reduce muscle breakdown
* Carbohydrate to refuel muscles (restore muscle glycogen)
* Electrolytes, including calcium, potassium and magnesium, to replenish what is lost in sweat
* Fluids to help rehydrate the body
* Calcium and Vitamin D to strengthen bones and help reduce the risk of stress fractures
* B Vitamins to help convert food to energy
* Nine Essential nutrients including additional nutrients not typically found in traditional sports drinks

Studies show that individuals consuming fat-free milk post-resistance training have experienced greater muscle gain and body fat loss following a 12 week program compared to others consuming a soy or carbohydrate containing beverage. This is most likely secondary to milk’s high-quality protein and essential amino acids properties.

Researchers conclude that because of milk’s electrolyte content and energy density, milk may be a better choice of beverage than the typical sports drink following exercise. As one should expect, milk empties at a slower rate from the stomach, which may have a positive affect on overall fluid balance. Not only does milk contain the same electrolytes (potassium & magnesium) added to create sugary sports drinks, but milk also provides calcium, a bone- strengthening mineral! Rigorous exercise could cause substantial losses of calcium, which may increase the risk of stress fractures.

It’s a smart and easy choice because penny-for-penny, no other post-exercise drink contains the full range of vitamins and minerals found in milk. Plus, milk is something found in most families’ refrigerators. “Milk provides just the right mix of essential nutrients in a convenient, great-tasting and affordable package!”



*References: www.whymilk.com