A protein-carbohydrate drink reduces muscle soreness after training

Chocolate milk is an effective drink to consume after exercise to promote recovery, rehydration and muscle hypertrophy. Cocoa contains chemicals called flavonols that reduce inflammation and oxidative damage. Unfortunately, many athletes suffer from lactose intolerance and therefore cannot drink dairy products.
Nicole McBrier and colleagues from the University of Pennsylvania found that cocoa-based protein- and carbohydrate drinks reduced muscle soreness after exhaustive aerobic exercise. The drink had no effect on markers of muscle inflammation, but had a significant effect on muscle soreness 24 to 48 hours after exercise.
(Journal Strength and Conditioning Research, 24: 2203-2210, 2010)