Chocolate Milk and Its Benefits: Interesting Chocolate Milk Nutrition Facts That Will Surprise You

Chocolate Milk Nutrition Facts

Before we have a look at chocolate milk and its benefits, lets have a look at some nutrition facts on chocolate milk.

Chocolate milk is packed with all the nutrients of plain milk. So you and your child can expect to get all the vitamins and minerals present in the plain variety. A cup of homemade chocolate milk (approximately 250mg) provides 26% of daily value of calcium, 18% of protein, and 10% of dietary fiber. It also provides 25% of the daily value of vitamin D, 27% of riboflavin, and 18% of vitamin B12.

Niacin, vitamin K, thiamine and folate are some of the other vitamins that you get from your glass of chocolate milk. It is also a rich source of several minerals including selenium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and manganese. It is also a good source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.

Most of the calories from chocolate milk come from fats and sugars. This is one fact that prompts parents to avoid giving it to their kids. However, choosing low-fat or fat-free milk can cut down the fat content of the milk.

For example, a cup of low-fat chocolate milk has 158 calories and 2.50g fat. However, if you buy a cup of whole chocolate milk, you end up consuming 208 calories, and 8.70 g of fat. A homemade beverage, on the other hand, has 192 calories and 5.85 g of fat.

Benefits of Chocolate Milk

Now that you know some chocolate milk nutrition facts, let’s have a look at some chocolate milk benefits.

Calcium Benefits

Its calcium content helps promote stronger bones and teeth and also protects you from diseases such as osteoporosis. Calcium has been found to promote weight loss; so chocolate milk may also help you lose weight.

Protein Benefits of Chocolate Milk

Another reason why chocolate milk may help in weight loss is that it is high in protein. This means that a glass of chocolate milk is quite filling. So, you will be feeling fuller for a longer time and it will keep hunger at bay. The protein in this milk also helps in building lean muscles, which is another advantage for people trying to lose weight or athletes trying to build some muscles.

Perfect for Muscle Recovery

Building lean muscles is not the only reason why athletes and sportspersons should reach for that glass of chocolate milk. The low fat variety of this milk helps in good muscle recovery after a workout. The carbohydrates and proteins present in chocolate milk help replenish your exhausted muscles after an intense session. It also reduces the chances of suffering muscle damage from intense exercising.

Low fat chocolate milk also provides the fluids required for rehydration. Strenuous activity leads to a loss of minerals such as calcium and potassium. The high mineral content of chocolate milk is a great boon for those who indulge in intensive workouts and need to replenish the loss of these minerals.

Benefits of Vitamins and Minerals in Chocolate Milk

The vitamin D present in this drink helps promote the absorption of calcium and may also play a role in the prevention and treatment for cancer. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in energy production and so does riboflavin. Vitamin B12 is also important for the development of red blood cells and prevention of anemia. The vitamin A present in chocolate milk promotes healthy vision and skin and is also good for the immune system. Its mineral content, especially potassium, helps promote a healthy heart and keeps your blood pressure normal.

So, now that you know about chocolate milk and its benefits, you may want to reach out for that cup of low fat variety. Chocolate milk is also available with added vitamins and calcium and you can choose the product that you think provides you the best of nutrients.

References

California Milk Processor Board: Why Drink Milk - https://www.bodybymilk.com/why_drink_milk.php

USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference - https://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/

Nutrition Data: Milk, chocolate beverage, hot cocoa, homemade - https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/dairy-and-egg-products/93/2

Image Credit:

Wikimedia Commons: File:New chocolate milk.JPG - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:New_chocolate_milk.JPG