Several years ago, studies proved that drinking low-fat chocolate milk after working out replenishes the body and builds muscles with its combination of carbs and protein, which water lacks.

However, researchers at Granada University in Spain have discovered that beer can hydrate your body after a workout better than drinks like Gatorade, water and chocolate milk. Having beer after a workout follows the same concept of drinking chocolate milk after a workout; the carbohydrates and protein in beer work together to replenish the body with necessary calories lost during a workout.

Of course, water rehydrates the body after a workout, but the added bonus of carbohydrates and protein helps the body recover better.

I believe it is safe to say that many of us have consumed a beer or two after a long run or intense cardio workout. But now you don't have to feel guilty for having a glass of cold beer after your exercise. Instead, feel good about it.

In the Spanish study, a group of students worked out until their bodies reached a temperature of 104 degrees. Half of the students were then given water and the other half were given beer.

The half who were given beer instead of water were rehydrated better than those who were given water post-workout. The reason is that the carbonation in beer actually quenches your thirst and the carbohydrates make up for the calories burned during your workout. Water lacks the carbohydrates and carbonation, so it won't have the same hydrating effect on the body as a glass of beer would.

There is a caveat to this idea, however: Just as with chocolate milk, you don't want to gulp down several bottles of beer after your workout. Be wise in your consumption (as you always should be).

We usually don't crave beer in the morning, however, so if your workouts occur then, I suggest sticking to chocolate milk and Gatorade. But apparently beer can do your body some good after a workout. Just don't overdo it.

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