This drink could be better than water on a hot day

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Summer is right around the corner and temperatures are rising! You’re probably drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated, but what about chocolate milk?

Read more: This is the healthiest way to drink water

Water vs. chocolate milk: What’s best to avoid dehydration?

While doing a story about the heat, NBC News spoke with a New York fitness trainer who recommends re-hydrating with milk and water.

“Specifically chocolate milk has gotten a lot of traction recently because of the proteins and the sugars and the carbohydrates that’s in it,” said Joshua Margolis of Mind Over Matter Fitness.

And Margolis is correct. There has been a lot of discussion about the benefits of milk since a 2011 study from McMaster University in Ontario, Canada.

The study, which was funded by the Dairy Farmers of Canada, found that milk was superior to a sports drink or water at re-hydrating young children after exercise, especially on a hot day.

“Children become dehydrated during exercise, and it’s important they get enough fluids, particularly before going into a second round of a game,” said Brian Timmons, research director of the Child Health and Exercise Medicine Program at McMaster. “Milk is better than either a sports drink or water because it is a source of high quality protein, carbohydrates, calcium and electrolytes.”

Timmons added that milk replaces sodium lost in sweat and helps the body retain fluid better.

Dr. Travis Stork from the TV show “The Doctors” has also said that drinking low-fat chocolate milk after a workout is a good idea. The protein, carbohydrates and electrolytes in milk are exactly what athletes need to refuel.

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According to Driftwood Dairy, 8 ounces of low-fat chocolate milk has 160 calories, 3 grams of fat, 28 grams of carbohydrates and 8 grams of protein.

Flavored milk contains both natural and added sugar. It has about 4 teaspoons of added sugar.

Read more: This drink is healthier than water

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