In a 2006 study titled "Chocolate Milk as a Post-Exercise Recovery Aid," by Jason R. Karp, et al., published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, the results of this study suggest that, "chocolate milk, with its high carbohydrate and protein content, may be considered an effective alternative to commercial fluid replacement drinks and carbohydrate replacement drinks for recovery from exhausting, glycogen-depleting exercise."
Chocolate Milk a Nutritious Snack
And that's not all, in a 2005 survey conducted by the Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) revealed that Maritime kids voted chocolate milk as the number one after school snack. The DFC is working in tandem with the Smart Food Healthy Choices in the schools policy on promoting dairy as a healthy food choice.
"Chocolate milk is a win-win situation for parents and kids, said Renée Gagnon, registered dietician and spokesperson with DFC Atlantic, "(and) parent.
Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
"Research tells us all parents have to do is keep the fridge stocked with chocolate milk and kids will keep drinking it. That's good news, since data shows pop consumption has risen significantly over the years, often at the expense of more nutritious beverages such as milk and real fruit juices," said Gagnon. "Chocolate milk isn't just a treat for special occasions. It can be an every day nutritious snack."
The following reasons why chocolate milk makes a great after-school snack are from the registered dieticians at Dairy Farmers of Canada:
- Nutritional analysis indicates chocolate milk is just as nutritious as regular milk.
- Chocolate milk contains about the same amount of sugar as an equal amount of unsweetened fruit juice. In fact, it has only one third more calories than white milk. The difference is equal to the calories in half a banana or pear.
- Just like white milk - chocolate milk is healthy for your teeth, since the cocoa, milk fat, calcium and phosphorus in chocolate milk can help to protect against cavities.
- Chocolate milk hydrates your body and quenches your thirst because milk is 87 per cent water. After physical activity chocolate milk helps to replenish your body's energy stores, and build and repair muscle.
- One cup of chocolate milk contains about the same amount of caffeine as decaffeinated coffee.
Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating recommends kids between the ages of four to nine get two to three servings of milk products each day. Kids between the ages of 10 to 16 need three to four daily servings.
Not Everyone May Agree Chocolate Milk is Good for You
Some people may view the sugar content of chocolate milk too high for consumption and may be a contributing factor for weight gain. Other children cannot drink milk because they are allergic to milk, while children with Type I diabetes are required to follow a specific diet.
Children's food choices are primarily influenced by likes, dislikes and familiarity. Making healthy food choices appealing and more available can help children achieve a more healthful diet.
For more information on chocolate milk and its health benefits Dairy Farmers of Canada, or Health Canada Food Guide to Healthy Living.
