An recent article in the New York Times highlights yet another reason men and women differ physically. Dr. David Rowlands, a senior lecturer with the Institute of Food, Nutrition and Human Health at Massey University in New Zealand,  reproduced a study he conducted a few years ago using women rather than his original all-male participants.  The results differed considerably, as women reaped no post-exercise benefit from protein intake compared to the men who were able to work harder in their future workouts.

Using experienced cyclists, Rowlands tested the affect carbohydrates and proteins have on muscle damage and recovery. Results showed women’s muscles sustain less damage during exercise, however, increased protein and carbohydrate consumption before and after high intensity exercise does not assist in recovery nearly as much as it does for men.

-Danielle