Chocolate is actually a 'cough saviour'!
coughCough is a common symptom in life, and many people are used to drinking honey lemon water or taking cough syrup to relieve it. However, according to research by Alyn Morice, a professor at the University of Hull in the UK and an international authority on cough research, "chocolate" may be a more effective choice for relieving cough, even better than traditional honey lemon or general cough medicine.
Alyn Morice is a founding member of the International Society for the Study of Cough and has long focused on research into cough treatment. She conducted a clinical trial on 163 cough patients, dividing them into two groups: one group received traditional cough syrup (such as codeine), and the other received a chocolate-based medication. The results showed that patients taking the chocolate syrup experienced significant improvement in their cough symptoms within just two days, with some even able to end their treatment earlier; the effect was superior to commonly available cough suppressants.
This is not the first study to demonstrate that chocolate has a cough-suppressing effect. Earlier research from Imperial College London also indicated that theobromine in chocolate is more effective than codeine, a common cough medicine.Suppress coughAlyn Morice further explained that theobromine not only has pharmacological activity, acting directly on nerve endings in the throat, but also, due to its viscous texture, can form a protective film in the throat, reducing the cough reflex triggered by external stimuli.
In the past, people often believed that honey or syrup could relieve coughs, and the principle is actually similar—they protect the throat through their viscous texture. However, Alyn Morice emphasizes that theobromine in chocolate is not just about stickiness; it actually has a pharmacological effect of inhibiting cough nerves. She even speculates that in the future, scientists may discover so-called "chocolate receptors" in the human body, which are specifically related to cough responses.
What's the most effective way to eat chocolate? It's recommended to suck on it slowly.
While theobromine itself has cough-suppressing effects, Alyn Morice points out that the key is to allow the chocolate sufficient contact time with the throat to form an effective protective layer. Therefore, while drinking hot chocolate is warm and comforting, its effect is not significant because the contact time with the throat is shorter in its liquid state.
She suggests that "slowly licking the chocolate while holding it in your mouth" is the ideal way to ingest it, allowing the theobromine and other active ingredients to fully interact with the cilia, receptors, and chemicals in the trachea for optimal effect. She also advises choosing "dark chocolate" as it has the highest theobromine content and is relatively low in sugar and fat, making it more effective at relieving coughs and avoiding excessive calorie intake.
Nutritionists add: Zinc also helps soothe a sore throat.
British nutritionist Sarah Flower, in an interview with The Sun, mentioned that the zinc in chocolate may also have some effect on...Soothe a sore throatIt can be helpful, so choosing dark chocolate, which has higher nutritional value, would be a better choice for relieving coughs.
Taiwanese doctors' opinion: Chocolate is not a panacea for coughs.
However, Dr. Li Bingying, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at National Taiwan University Hospital, points out in her book "52 Cards to Debunk Medical Myths" that although theobromine has the property of dilating the bronchi and may be more effective than codeine for coughs caused by asthma, chocolate may not be effective for coughs caused by the common cold, gastroesophageal reflux, or postnasal drip. In fact, it may even irritate the throat due to its sweetness and worsen the cough.
Therefore, Dr. Li Bingying reminds the public that while chocolate may have potential cough-suppressing effects, it is not a panacea. The timing of its use and the cause of the cough must be carefully evaluated. It is recommended that people choose the most suitable treatment based on the type of cough and consult a professional physician if necessary.
In summary, theobromine in chocolate, especially dark chocolate, does have the potential to suppress coughs and protect the throat, and may even be more effective than traditional cough medicines or honey and lemon. However, the actual effect depends on the cause of the cough. It is recommended that people seek professional medical advice when facing a persistent or severe cough, rather than relying solely on dietary remedies. If you want to try using chocolate to relieve a cough, choosing dark chocolate and slowly licking it might be a more effective way to consume it.
