Chocolate Milk Helps Muscle Recovery

More good news for chocolate lovers!

Researchers have determined that a glass of low-fat chocolate milk after a work out has the same benefits as a high-carbohydrate energy drink, such as Gatorade.

The study actually used college soccer players who drank chocolate milk after intense training. The players drank an energy drink after one session, and then chocolate milk after another:

At days two and four of intense training, the researchers measured creatine kinase and myoglobin levels, muscle soreness, mental and physical fatigue, peak isometric force of the quadriceps, and leg-extension repetitions.

The researchers found that serum creatinine kinase levels — a marker of muscle damage — were significantly lower after drinking chocolate milk than they were after the high-carb beverage.

Milk provides an optimal combination of carbs, protein and natural sugars to refuel tired muscles.

(”The study was supported by the Milk Processor Education Program, which runs the national Milk Mustache “Got milk?” Campaign. The researchers reported no conflicts of interest.”)

[source; image: flickr]