Chocolate Milk for athletes?

Fotosearch

Chocolate milk is in the news again. 

This time it's not the great debate about having it in schools but about the new marketing campaign targeting athletes.

The campaign is about the protein & nutrients in milk helping with muscle recovery after a workout.  It's also about chocolate providing antioxidants which are beneficial to health.  So does it follow that by combining these 2 foods you create a 'super food'?

I'd like to add a word of caution before anyone starts drinking chocolate milk thinking 'if a little is good, a lot must be better!'

I've no problem with people drinking low fat milk or occasionally eating some dark chocolate.  The protein & lactose (sugar occurring naturally in milk)  can help muscle recovery & the antioxidants from dark chocolate have heart health benefits.

BUT:

• check to see how much sugar is in the chocolate milk - drinking your calories is never a good idea
•  bear in mind chocolate flavoring is not the same as actual dark chocolate!  
• drinking chocolate milk after your workout may mean you're drinking all the calories you just worked off!

A better option would be to drink regular (white), low fat milk & enjoy actual dark chocolate as a 'treat with added anti-oxidant benefits'

Remember, they are advertising their product & that doesn't mean it's a 'wonder food'!