Chocolate is an Athlete's Secret Weapon
Chocolate has a lot going for it when it comes to sports nutrition. Intense physical activity results in oxidative stress to the cells, and this stress is often implicated in muscle fatigue. But research is inconclusive regarding the benefits versus risks of taking antioxidants in supplement form to help offset this oxidative damage. Until that question is settled, an antioxidant-rich diet is likely a safer bet for athletes.
As luck would have it, cocoa is a rich source of food-based antioxidants called flavonoids. These flavonoids may also help improve blood flow throughout the body -- an added bonus for athletes. Additionally, lowfat chocolate milk has been shown to contain the optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein, making it the recovery drink of choice for many endurance athletes.
