A new study from researchers at the University of Connecticut suggests that fat-free chocolate milk may be more effective than sports drinks at rebuilding and refueling muscles after workouts.

According to lead researcher William Lunn, PhD, the drink provides a unique blend of protein and vitamins not found in other beverages. For the study, Lunn and his team tested eight male athletes.

By having them eat a well balanced diet and take a fast run at the end of each week. Half of the group drank low-fat chocolate milk after the workout and half drank carbohydrate based sports drinks.

The athletes' muscle tissue was then examined through a biopsy and showed that those who drank chocolate milk had great muscle regeneration and more glycogen, the chemical associated with muscle growth.

"It's not just a dessert item, but it's very healthy, especially for endurance athletes," Lunn tells WebMD.

Dr. Nancy Clark of the Healthworks Fitness Center in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, echoes Lunns claims adding, "Athletes can consider it an inexpensive nutritional alternative to engineered sports beverages for help with post-workout recovery."