A nagging, persistent cough can take you down for days—if not weeks. The answer has always been rest, fluids and cough medicine. (A soothing bowl of soup helps, too.) Fortunately, there’s a new treatment that is even more effective and a lot more enjoyable. The answer to your prayers may be sitting in your pantry.
A recent study conducted by Professor Alyn Morice, a cough expert from Hull University, found that cough sufferers who ate chocolate recovered faster than those taking traditional cough medicine!
Wait—How Does That Even Work?
Researchers split the 163 participants into two groups and administered either traditional cough medicine or medicine containing cocoa. The chocolate group reported significant improvement in their coughs after just two days.
So how does chocolate help a cough? First, chocolate itself is more sticky than traditional cough syrup. That means that it’s better at coating your throat, preventing irritation that causes you to cough. When the nerve endings in our throat become hypersensitive from a cold or the flu, it causes us to cough and spread the illness. Because chocolate is thick and sticky like honey, it calms down the nerves and quickly soothes a cough.
Chocolate may be the perfect cough medicine, because in addition to its perfect consistency, it contains compounds that have other health benefits, too. It can help lower cholesterol, keep skin looking young and more.
Ready to Try It?
Before you run to the store and stock up in the candy aisle, it’s important to note that not all chocolate is created equal. Sipping a mug of hot cocoa sounds soothing, but won’t actually help your cough. The research indicates that cough medicine with cocoa is the most helpful, but until that’s readily available, try slowly sucking on a piece of quality dark chocolate. This will allow the delicious candy to coat your throat and give you fast coughing relief.
Even if you don’t have a cough, go ahead and unwrap your favorite chocolate bar. Even if there’s no research to prove it, chocolate can make just about any day better. Enjoy!
Decadent Recipes for Dark Chocolate Desserts
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Salted Dark Chocolate Tart
When I was little, my grandpa always had a bag of caramels in his truck and a few in his pocket. Whether we were camping or going to a movie I always enjoyed sharing caramels with him. Now I try to put caramel in as many of my desserts as possible, including this sweet-and-salty tart. —Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas
Crackling Hot Cocoa
This hot chocolate recipe is more than a warm-you-up—it's rich and thick decadence in a mug. —Cyndi Nistico, Palm Island, Florida
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
The combination of pumpkin and dark chocolate is unexpected and delectable. These delicious truffles make a pretty addition to a party plate, a sweet way to finish up a meal, or a gift your friends and family will love. —Monica Mooney, Roseville, California
Nut Fruit Bark
Here's a sophisticated version of fruit bark. Dark chocolate turns into a rich mocha flavor with the espresso powder. If you're a fan of sweet-salty tidbits make sure to use the sea salt.—Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake
For an impressive holiday dessert, look here! The combination of mocha cake and peanut butter filling satisfies every sweet tooth. —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska
Chocolate Mint Truffle Tart
Indulging in a slice of this decadent dessert is like biting into a smooth truffle candy. You can vary the flavor by using raspberry-flavored baking chocolate chips.—Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Chocolate Lover's Pizza
I created this after my dad said that my graham cracker crust should be topped with dark chocolate and pecans. It's easy to customize by adding your favorite chocolate and toppers. Dad thinks the whole world should know about this pizza! —Kathy Rairigh, Milford, Indiana
Sacher Torte Squares
Sacher torte is a Viennese cake that requires several steps. My squares are an easy alternative, but they still feature the classic apricot and chocolate flavors. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Shortbread Hearts
These flaky cookies melt in your mouth. Dipped in chocolate, they look festive.—Barbara Birk, St. George, Utah
Butterfinger Cookie Bars
My boys went through a phase where they loved Butterfingers. We made Butterfinger shakes, muffins, cookies and experimented with different bars; this one was voted the best of the bunch. Make sure you have an extra candy bar on hand because it’s hard to resist a nibble or two while you’re chopping. —Barbara Leighty, Simi Valley, California
Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fudge
Something about the combination of dark chocolate and raspberry is just so addicting. This fudge makes a heartfelt homemade gift, or just a treat that's worth sharing. —Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
Sweet & Salty Truffle Pie
Homemade truffles—a little bit sweet and a little bit salty—will keep you coming back for more. Store extra truffles in the fridge.—Shirley Warren, Thiensville, Wisconsin
Oreos and Candy Cane Chocolate Bark
There are two super-duper treats in this brilliant confection for teachers, neighbors and friends—cream-filled cookies and candy canes. We keep a big supply ready for gift giving. —Robin Turner, Lake Elsinore, California
Chocolate-Covered Pomegranate Seeds
I dunk pomegranate seeds in chocolate to get these easy little treats friends and family love. —Jim Javorsky, Havre de Grace, Maryland
Landmark Hot Chocolate
With or without a nip of rum, my hot chocolate recipe has been a Wisconsin winter warmer for years. When the toboggan hills are calling, I skip the whipped cream and take a thermos to go. It’s always a hit and it ensures nobody is left out in the cold! —Mark Phillips, Bayfield, Wisconsin
Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs
Here’s a special appetizer that won’t last long! Fruit, caramel and rich dark chocolate add a sweet touch to this grown-up dipped fruit. —Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
Chocolate-Mint Dream Sandwich Cookies
For the family cookbook, my cousin submitted a cookie I've tinkered with, and it’s a showstopper. These dreamy cookies with chocolate and mint pretty much melt in your mouth. —Shannon Koene, Blacksburg, Virginia
Pecan Cherry Bark
I just love to make chocolates at Christmastime. This popular candy combines pecans, chocolate and cherries—it is crunchy, sweet and just plain yummy!—Sue Kauffman, Columbia City, Indiana
Maine Potato Candy
Years ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes daily and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and other dishes. This potato candy recipe captures all of the old-school flavors. —Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Truffle Topiary
I wanted to give family and friends something they’d remember, so I whipped up piles of these sweets for everyone. Set them out in a pretty pattern on a cookie tray or turn them into a stunning centerpiece. —Elisa Schmidt, Bethel Park, Pennsylvania
Dark Chocolate Pudding
It's not Valentine's Day without a chocolate dessert. My rich old-fashioned treat is oh-so-creamy and comforting! —Lily Julow, Lawrenceville, Georgia
Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake
Here’s a simple cake that’s rich, elegant and over-the-top chocolaty. For finishing touches, add powdered sugar, cocoa or liqueur-flavored whipped cream. —Marie Parker, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dark Chocolate Croissant Bread Pudding
Croissants make an incredible base for this rich, chocolaty bread pudding. I prefer dark chocolate, but semisweet or white chocolate work, too. Garnish with your favorite nuts. —Jennifer Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Dark Chocolate Bourbon Balls
Remember the days at Grama and Grampa's house when you make these wonderfully traditional treats. The blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistable! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Greendale, Wisconsin
Orange-Almond Chocolate Logs
A sure hit for the holidays, these lovely logs from our Test Kitchen staff feature the can't-beat combination of almond, orange and chocolate.
Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart
Espresso enhances and intensifies the dark chocolate flavor of my truffe tart. I make the crust with toasted walnuts and dust the cooled dessert with baking cocoa before serving. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Gingerbread Truffles
I never received compliments on my baking until I brought my gingerbread truffles to a party. Every Christmas, family, friends and even co-workers ask me to make these. —Angela Randjelovic, Independence, Ohio
Rich Hot Chocolate
Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the bloody mary's and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Trail Mix
A close friend once gave me a jar of trail mix that was absolutely delicious. My re-creation comes pretty close to the original and is truly one of my favorite snacks! —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma
Chocolate Pomegranate Candies
This recipe pairs white and dark chocolate with whole, natural ingredients for an unbelievably delicious treat! These candies are perfect to give as a gift for Christmas. —Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York
Easy Mexican Brownies
I was hosting a fun Mexican-themed cocktail party and needed a quick dessert. Dressing up an ordinary box brownie mix made life easy and delicious! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York
Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato Pie
One of my first entries in the National Pie Championship was this impressive pie with coffee flavor and cool chocolate curls on top. —Amy Mills, Sebring, Florida
Chocolate Salted Caramel Bars
I love to experiment with different recipes and combine classic and new flavors. I've been making this shortbread for over 20 years and finally have found the perfect pairing! I love the new craze, salted caramel, and of course I love dark chocolate, so I layered these two flavors with my favorite shortbread crust. It's melt-in-your-mouth good, and it is quickly becoming a favorite with my family, friends and customers! For even more gooey goodness, drizzle bottled caramel sauce over top. —Lisa Glenn, Sarasota, Florida
Orange Shortbread with Spicy Dark Chocolate
Of all the cookies I've made over the years, shortbread is the one that won't last 24 hours in our house. My 11-year-old daughter is wild for dark chocolate and the cayenne pepper is hardly noticeable, but adds a sophisticated kick.—Holly Campbell, Palouse, Washington
Dark Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
A colleague brought this in one day for someone’s birthday. I grow zucchini in my garden so I had a lot of opportunities to experiment with the recipe. My mother-in-law loves it, and she doesn’t even know that it’s also pretty good for you. —Sally Newton, Smethport, Pennsylvania
Decadent Dark Chocolate Granola
Our three active sons gave this great granola the thumbs up all around. The recipe is versatile, so you can customize it any way you like by adding a variety of seeds, nuts, grains, cereals and dried fruit.—Kim Van Dunk, Caldwell, New Jersey
Heavenly Drinking Chocolate
The name says it all—sipping this beverage is like drinking a heavenly blend of dark and milk chocolate. Top off each mug with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Raspberry Cupcakes
Some have been known to inhale these amazing cupcakes in two bites, and some prefer to savor each decadent morsel. They can be kept in the fridge for about a week and can be frozen for up to a month. —Kim Bejot, Ainsworth, Nebraska
Cinnamon White & Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies
I wanted to put a spin on the traditional chocolate chip cookie, and who doesn't love cinnamon? Depending on what you use to drop your cookies, the quantity served will change. —Cassie Colosimo, Reading, Pennsylvania
Coffeehouse Caramel-Dark Chocolate-Latte Cookie
These taste like my favorite coffee house drink in cookie form. They're crispy outside, but soft in the middle. —Angela Spengler, Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania
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The post Chocolate Can Fight Coughs Better Than Some Cold Medicine—Here’s Why appeared first on Taste of Home.
Carrie Madormo