More Ovaltine, Please: the benefits of chocolate milk

A recent study published in the Feb. 2006 issue of the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, has unanimously shown chocolate milk to be a consistently effective and valuable aid in recovery following hard exercise. Scientists at Indiana University compared and contrasted the effects of chocolate milk against a variety of expensive, commercially produced recovery drinks currently on the market. To their astonishment, “chocolate milk more than held its own”(bikeradar.com).

How is it that such a simple, comparatively inexpensive, childhood drink can compete over the complexity of an engineered recovery mix? Well, the devil is in the details, and most times it is from simplicity that we come to benefit the most. “Chocolate milk contains an optimal carbohydrate to protein ratio, which is critical for helping refuel tired muscles after strenuous exercise and can enable athletes to exercise at a high intensity during subsequent workouts”(bikeradar.com). Basically, it comes down to the carbohydrate, the protein, and how quickly you get these vitals into your system proceeding a high intensity workout. The important thing “is to get some carbohydrate in you as quickly as possible… the sweeter the better”(cyclingnews.com).

The following lists some benefits of milk (Skim Milk is ideal) as they pertain to post-exercise recovery and overall health(thefinalsprint.com).

-Milk helps to strengthen bones and promote a healthy weight
-Protein in milk contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for building and maintaining a lean body mass
-Milk provides you with essential electrolytes
-Similar to bananas, milk has 10 times more potassium than most sports drinks
-A single glass of milk gives you 20% of the phosphorous needed each day, which helps strengthen bones and generate energy in cells
-Milk contains vitamins such as B12, Niacin, and Riboflavin, which are crucial in converting food to energy to fuel muscles

Personal Note: After races and strenuous exercise I like to combine some Ovaltine with Skim Milk, which is still chocolate milk, only Ovaltine provides extra boosts in vitamins E, A, and C; along with Calcium and Iron, and other nutritional benefits. I also make certain to consume the mixture within one half-hour of exercise, a window of time during which the body can absorb the most, thus retaining the greatest possible benefits. “It is absolutely crucial that you consume your post-workout meal immediately after exercise… the muscles are depleted and require an abundance of protein and carbohydrate… during this time, the muscles are biochemically ‘primed’ for nutrient uptake. The phenomenon is commonly known as the ‘window of opportunity'”(Dr. John M. Berardi, Ph.D.).

You know the benefits, now do the math…

Ovaltine: 18oz. canister (24 servings) – $5.29
Shoprite Skim Milk: 1gallon – $3.49
Shoprite Chocolate Skim Milk: 1gallon – $4.29
Endurox Rx4 Recovery Drink: (28 servings) – $54.99
Clif Shot Recovery Drink: (12 servings) – $24.95
Cytomax Recoverty Drink: 2lb. 8oz. (15 servings) – $40.95