Is Chocolate Milk the Next Sports Drink?
Research Findings
A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland has uncovered surprising findings about the potential of chocolate milk as a superior recovery drink for athletes. The study revealed that a specially formulated chocolate milk called Fifth Quarter Fresh outperforms commercial sports drinks by a significant margin.
Study Design
The study involved 13 non-athletic men who performed leg extension workouts. After each workout, the men consumed one of four recovery beverages: chocolate milk, a commercial sports drink, water, or a placebo. Four hours later, the men performed the workout again.
Results
The results showed that all four recovery beverages provided similar levels of strength recovery. However, when it came to muscle endurance, the chocolate milk group demonstrated a substantial advantage. The other beverages, including the commercial sports drink, failed to outperform even water.
Key Nutrients in Fifth Quarter Fresh
Fifth Quarter Fresh is not your average chocolate milk. It is specially formulated with high levels of protein, electrolytes, calcium, and vitamin D. These nutrients are crucial for muscle recovery and hydration.
Protein
Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue. Fifth Quarter Fresh contains more protein than regular milk, thanks to the use of Jersey and Guernsey cow milk, which are known for their higher protein content.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals that help regulate fluid balance and muscle function. Chocolate milk is a natural source of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Calcium
Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Fifth Quarter Fresh is a good source of calcium, which can help athletes maintain bone health.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Fifth Quarter Fresh is fortified with vitamin D, which can help athletes optimize their calcium intake.
Pasteurization and Protein Content
Regular milk is typically pasteurized at high temperatures, which can damage milk proteins. Fifth Quarter Fresh, however, is pasteurized at a lower temperature (165 degrees Fahrenheit), which preserves more of the milk’s protein content.
Caveats
While the study findings are promising, there are a few caveats to consider. The study was conducted on a small group of participants, and Fifth Quarter Fresh is a product developed by a University of Maryland start-up. These factors do not invalidate the results, but they warrant further research.
Conclusion
The study’s findings suggest that chocolate milk, particularly Fifth Quarter Fresh, has the potential to be an effective recovery drink for athletes. With its high levels of protein, electrolytes, calcium, and vitamin D, chocolate milk may provide the necessary nutrients to support muscle recovery and hydration. While more research is needed, this study offers a compelling reason to consider chocolate milk as a post-workout beverage.