Carbohydrates and protein are important before, during, and after endurance as well as strength-training exercise. Increased endurance and the building of muscles require more nutrients than those found in steak and shrimp. Consumption of foods with the carbohydrate-protein ratio of 4:1 like low-fat chocolate milk can help tired muscles recover and thirsty bodies rehydrate after exercise, according to recent scientific research.

When compared to plain water or sports drinks, research suggests that low-fat chocolate milk is more effective at replacing fluids lost as sweat and maintaining normal body fluid levels. Athletes drinking low-fat chocolate milk following exercise-induced dehydration had fluid levels about 2 percent higher (on initial body mass) than those using other post-exercise recovery beverages.

Chocolate milk rehydrates athletes by replacing important minerals such as potassium and sodium that are lost through sweating. Water and sports drinks did not achieve the same effect in the studies. When an athlete does not have the proper carbohydrate intake their energy and endurance levels are not performing to their full ability. Carbohydrates are the provider of the primary fuel that enables an athlete to reach their peak performance.

This research adds credibility to an old idea – that milk really does do a body good!

Feature Article on Chocolate Milk:
"How eating chocolate can help improve your math"

Mental arithmetic became easier after volunteers had been given large amounts of compounds found in chocolate, called flavanols, in a hot cocoa drink. They were also less likely to feel tired or mentally drained, the findings, presented at the British Psychological Society annual conference in Brighton show.
»Read full article

Chocolate Milk Recovery Studies/Resources
http://www.milknewsroom.com/downloads/stager_chocmilk_study.pdf
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/health/18950100/detail.html
http://article.pubs.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/RPAS/rpv?hm=HInit&afpf=h08-137.pdf&journal=apnm&volume=34
http://www.ajc.com/services/content/health/stories/2009/01/16/workout_foods_protein.html
http://www.grandforksherald.com/articles/index.cfm?id=92701