99% fat free and with 30% less sugar than regular flavoured milk

We all know that milk and dairy products are an important part of a healthy balanced diet but did you know that milk, including low fat flavoured milk, may also be a useful rehydration drink after exercise and promote muscle growth and recovery?

There has been growing sport nutrition research interest in milk and its possible roles as an exercise beverage for both resistance and endurance sports and training. A review article in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition entitled ‘Milk: the new sports drink?’ made the following conclusions:

• there is growing scientific evidence to support the use of low fat milk following exercise by both individuals and athletes who habitually undertake strength or endurance training.
• data also suggests that fat free milk is as effective as, and possibly even more effective than, commercially available sports drinks at promoting recovery from strength and endurance exercise.
• milk also has the added benefit of providing additional nutrients and vitamins that are not present in commercial sports drinks.

How is milk thought to work as a sports drink?

Milk, including flavoured milks, naturally contains water, protein, lactose or milk sugar, calcium and electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. A UK study found that drinking milk after exercising (resulting in dehydration - loss of 1.8% body weight through sweat) may promote rehydration better than water or a sports drink, most probably due to the naturally high electrolyte content of milk, which can assist in restoring the body’s fluid balance after exercise.

Another study has shown that drinking low fat chocolate flavoured milk can be an effective means of recovery from prolonged exercise, resulting in improved subsequent endurance capacity in cycling when compared to drinking either a carbohydrate replacement drink or a fluid replacement drink (both were isocaloric or of equal kilojoule content to the chocolate milk).

Other studies have demonstrated that the protein from milk and dairy products can help to build and maintain muscle. Milk contains approximately 3.5% protein made up of casein (80%) and whey (20%). The whey protein has a high concentration of the branched chain amino acid – leucine, which has been shown to specifically stimulate building of new muscle protein.

In short, a growing body of evidence suggests that milk and low fat flavoured milks such as RUSH may be an ideal beverage choice for athletes and recreational exercisers who undertake regular strength and endurance sports and training. They provide fluid and electrolytes for re-hydrating and also carbohydrate and protein, which are important in refueling muscles for growth and recovery.

RUSH low fat flavoured milk is made with no artificial flavours, and has a deliciously creamy taste without being too sweet or filling, so for active adults, it’s a healthy choice to complement an active lifestyle.

RUSH flavoured milks:

• are 99% fat free – that’s only 1% fat
• have 30% less sugar than regular flavoured milk
• have approximately 500 kilojoules (120 calories) per 250mL serve versus 880 kilojoules per 250mL serve of regular flavoured milk
• are low GI, which can help with satiety and provide sustained energy release
• are high in calcium - providing 42% of the recommended daily calcium needs for an adult per 250mL serve
• have no preservatives, colours or artificial flavours

Available in the all-new Strong Iced Coffee, as well as Iced Chocolate, Iced Latte and Iced Vanilla Malt flavours.

RUSH low fat flavoured milk is now available from all good supermarkets and convenience stores in Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia.