Milk contains a significant amount of calcium and is enriched with vitamin D, which is essential for baby bone growth and development. Milk consumption has dropped dramatically. Chocolate milk contains extra sugar so too many calories can lead to obesity and obesity. 1/3 of children are already overweight and obese and are at high risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Calories in 1 cup of milk
- 1% white milk = 102g
- 1% chocolate milk = 158g
- Fatty chocolate milk = 130g
What is worrying about removing chocolate milk from schools is that children will drink less milk.
What is the evidence?
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), in 2006 public schools in New York City began to convert whole milk to low-fat, low-fat milk. The dairy industry has warned that students’ milk recommendations will decline. Although initially reduced, in 2009 the children actually drank more milk than in 2006. According to some research (post-presentation report here) however, the removal of chocolate milk from schools has led to a decline in milk-picking children. The study was funded by the Milk Processor Education Program.
Benefits of Chocolate Milk
Protein, calcium, and vitamin D in chocolate milk, as well as other minerals and electrolytes, provide important benefits for a healthy diet.
Orthopedic health
Milk is naturally rich in calcium, which is an important nutrient for your bones and teeth. Also, much of the milk is available in the U.S. In many other countries, it is also fortified with vitamin D. This nutrient combination makes milk a source of bone health. U.S. dairy producers started adding vitamin D to milk in the 1930s to help get rid of rickets, a disease that weakens bones. Rickets, then common in children, is caused by a deficiency of vitamin D and make bones softer and weaker than they should be. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomalacia, a bone marrow transplantation that increases the risk of fractures. Both of these diseases can be prevented by eating foods rich in vitamin D – and this is where milk enters, including chocolate milk.
Muscle weight and endurance
Chocolate milk is rich in protein, which helps to build muscle mass. Numerous studies have also found that drinking chocolate milk greatly increases endurance, which helps you to keep your body active. Because of this, chocolate milk can help you build muscle directly, by providing protein, and indirectly, by giving you the strength to exercise longer. Some evidence suggests that it may be more effective than sports drinks to increase endurance and reduce post-exercise fatigue.
Weight management
Unlike other sugary beverages such as juice and soda, chocolate milk is high in protein, and non-smoked varieties also contain fats. Some evidence suggests that both protein and fat help you feel full, and that feeling of fullness can help you to eat less. Studies show that high-protein foods – high in vitamin D and low in calories – can help you lose weight. Older obese adults who increased their protein intake maintained more muscle mass and significantly less than those who did not add protein to their diet.
Potential Dangers of Chocolate Milk
Compared to regular milk, chocolate milk contains extra sugar and calories added, both of which can contribute to obesity, which contributes to many different medical issues. So it is not a very good option if you are trying to keep your sugar and calories low. Also, if your doctor tells you that you need more calcium, it is important to know that oxalic acid, a natural compound in cocoa, can make it harder for your body to get calcium. Also, those with a milk allergy or lactose intolerance may not be able to digest chocolate milk without discomfort.
FAQ
Why is chocolate milk unhealthy for you?
Chocolate milk contains added sugars and therefore more calories that can lead to more overweight and obesity. In the United States, 1/3 of children are already overweight and obese and at higher risk for chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
What happens if you drink chocolate milk everyday?
Chocolate milk provides important nutrients — such as calcium, protein, and vitamin D — which may benefit health. However, it's high in calories and added sugar, which can contribute to weight gain and may increase your risk of certain chronic diseases.
How can chocolate milk make you sick?
One of the worst things that chocolate milk can do to you is major stomach problems. Drinking chocolate milk is the start, then chocolate milk adds stomach acid and too much can lead to a big problem, and too much can make your future unpredictable. Plain milk doesn't do damage to something you use every day.
