Drink chocolate milk to live a longer and healthier life
4 March 2006
by Carina Lee
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A glass of chocolate milk and some exercise may be the answer to the deteriorating muscle function and ageing, according to the study conducted by scientists of the University of Auckland. Dr Benjamin Miller is a senior lecturer from the Department of Sport and Exercise Science, and he explains “The ability of people to create energy and perform work stems from structures that exist inside our cells called mitochondria. As we grow older the amount of mitochondria we have decreases and with it our respiratory capacity. This decline is determined by the turnover of proteins in the mitochondria. We hope to highlight an effective and easy way to maintain the protein content in muscles or at least replace old and damaged proteins with new ones.” Mitochondria are double membrane bound cellular organelles that synthesise energy for our body cells. It is the primary site for aerobic respiration and ATP (adenosine triphosphate) generation. The test undertaken required individuals to partake in aerobic activity on a stationary exercise bicycle. Following this, they were asked to drink a mix of protein and carbohydrate, like sweetened milk for example. Previous studies have shown that consumption of proteins and sugars after physical activity increases the rate of protein synthesis used for force. |
"If successful, we could prove that our non-pharmaceutical means to increase muscle quality could mean that a practice as simple as drinking a Milo after exercise may help reduce our morbidity and prolong mortality. Explained Dr Benjamin Miller image: clearlyexplained.com
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Related Links
Original press release from University of Auckland
Nature
& Science News
ClearlyExplained.com