Could Chocolate Be The Cure To Your Persistent Cough?
With an ever-growing list of ancient superfoods dominating health trends, it’s a familiar favourite that continually outshines them all: Chocolate.
Far from the devil in sugar it was once thought to be, chocolate in moderation has been found to improve heart health, single-child pregnancies and now, even the common cough.
A recent English study called ROCOCO compared a new cocoa-infused medicine with your regular over-the-counter syrups. The researchers saw a significant improvement in those who took the chocolate-based treatment in just two days. Twice as many patients also stopped the treatment early, compared with the over-the-counter stuff.
The science behind it sounds sweet, too.
Researchers believe chocolate is so effective due to its demulcent properties. This essentially means the rich, almost sticky decadence we just can’t get enough of is better at coating the throat than syrups and can protect the nerve endings that trigger your cough.
But, head of cardiovascular and respiratory studies at the University of Hull, Professor Alyn Morice, says the healing properties of chocolate could extend even further. Writing in the Daily Mail, he says cocoa may even temporarily dull the nerves themselves. “I think there is something more going on with chocolate,” he begins. “I’m sure it has a pharmacological activity, some sort of inhibitory effect on the nerve endings themselves.”
While there is still no definitive research on that particular theory, we’re more than happy to test it out, so here are some chocolate recipes (click through the gallery below) we love, and you will too!
Best Places In Singapore For A Delicious Hot Chocolate
Dark Chocolate And Other Foods That Will Boost Brainpower
7 Secrets To Baking The Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
Text: The Australian Women's Weekly / Photos: Pixabay
Whether for a light snack, as party food, or packed as handmade gifts to loved ones, these chocolate slices will always bring on a smile.
Get The Recipe
This pudding is great for celebrations and special occasions. It can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days. To serve, warm in microwave on medium, 50 per cent, 1-2 mins.
Get The Recipe
This torte is healthier because it uses pitted dates and dark chocolate, add lots of berries if you like to have an antioxidant boost.
Get The Recipe
It’s almost impossible to stop at just one of these nutritive and protein packed chocolate wheatens!
Get The Recipe
These gorgeous creamy chocolate rum truffles are perfect enjoyed as a decadent small treat. Wrap them in cellophane and a ribbon and give them as homemade gifts for Christmas and birthdays.
Get The Recipe
Perfect for any time of the day, these gorgeous double chocolate brownie cookies are simply irresistible!
Get The Recipe
Forget iced coffee! Make your own healthy version of an iced chocolate energy drink for a hot day!
Get The Recipe