So we’ve all heard the rumors about the benefits simple chocolate milk provide for recovery, but how accurate are they?
Research published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that milk may be an effective recovery beverage. Yet more studies have reported that run and cycling times are similar or longer with chocolate milk as a post-bout drink. In particular, low fat chocolate milk, which contains carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients, may further aid in recovery. Its carbohydrate content is similar to that of many common sports drinks, making it a good source of sugars that can be used by skeletal muscle to make glycogen and rebuild depleted stores during postexercise recovery. Further, because it is digested and absorbed slowly, blood amino acid concentrations are able to remain elevated, which may permit extended muscle building during the recovery period.
In the December issue of the NSCA Journal, researchers concluded that, “low fat chocolate milk may therefore be as good as a (carbohydrate-electrolyte beverage) at promoting recovery between training sessions during preseason”
So all you race directors out there, how about some chocolate milk at the finish line!
