A review of 12 small studies suggests chocolate milk can be just as effective as sports drinks for exercise recovery, and in some cases, even better. 🥛🍫 Researchers found it could extend time to exhaustion, lower lactic acid levels, and improve heart rate and perceived exertion after intense workouts like running or cycling. The drink’s mix of carbohydrates, protein, fats, electrolytes, and vitamins makes it a balanced option for muscle repair, fluid replacement, and energy replenishment. On average, athletes drinking chocolate milk lasted nearly a minute longer than those given a placebo, and about six minutes longer than those consuming sports drinks. While the analysis involved fewer than 150 participants, it reinforces chocolate milk as a low-cost, palatable recovery choice, especially after long or high-intensity sessions. Experts note that the best recovery drink still depends on the type of workout — light exercise may only require water, while endurance athletes could b...