The Milk Producer - July 2011 - (Page 46)

THEBACKFORTY By Sharon Laidlaw Post-workout boost Low-fat chocolate milk can boost recovery after exercise and aerobic fitness, researchers find T here’s no doubt a good exercise routine can energize and refresh you. People looking to boost their workouts’ effectiveness may want to reach for a tall glass of chocolate milk next time they step off a treadmill. Two recent studies suggest people who drink low-fat chocolate milk can enhance their aerobic fitness and increase muscle recovery and exercise performance. According to a University of Texas study, people who drink chocolate milk have greater improvements in aerobic fitness compared with people who drink a carbohydrate beverage or water. “Often referred to as nature’s sports drink, milk can be an effective way to help the body refuel, rehydrate and recover after a workout as every serving contains nutrients that promote effective recovery after vigorous exercise,” says Gregory Miller, Dairy Research Institute president. Chocolate milk contains carbohydrates to help refuel muscles, protein to stimulate muscle repair, and growth and electrolytes to rehydrate the body, says Miller. The researchers observed 32 men and women over a four-week period. Each took part in a moderately intense cycling program, five days a week. Immediately and again one hour after ex- ercising, the cyclists consumed low-fat chocolate milk increased muscle prochocolate milk, a carbohydrate bevertein synthesis, which helps repair and age or water. rebuild muscle proteins. The results showed drinking chocolate milk improved cycling performance more than the other beverages. It cut at least six minutes on average off a cyclist’s ride time to cover a set distance. According to the researchers, chocolate milk and the carbohydrate beverage were more effective than water in restoring muscle mass. The findings follow on the heels of a larger chocolate milk study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. This research observed 10 endurance cyclists and tri-athletes who cycled for 90 minutes at a moderate speed before performing 10 minutes of high-intensity intervals. Immediately and again two hours after exercising, the participants consumed low-fat chocolate milk, a carbohydrate beverage or flavoured water. Nature’s sports drink effectively helps the body As in the other study, refuel, rehydrate and recover after exercise. 46 | July 2011 | MilkPRODUCER

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Milk Producer - July 2011

The Milk Producer - July 2011
Contents
Editor's Notes
New 'N' Noted
Back Forty
DFO Vice-Chair's Message
Dairy Update
DFC Promotion
Cover Story
Herd Health
Research
Applied Science
Ruminations
Markets
New 'N' Noted
The Back Forty

The Milk Producer - July 2011