Forget honey and lemon. You may be able to cure your cough with chocolate!
Chocolate Can Fight Coughs Better Than Some Cold Medicine—Here’s Why
Updated on Dec. 30, 2021
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
Salted Dark Chocolate TartWhen 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 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. If you enjoyed this recipe, then learn how to make chocolate tart.
Dark Chocolate Raspberry FudgeSomething 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
Oh also, calling all chocoholics! From cakes and brownies to pies and cookies, these top-rated chocolate recipes are sure to satisfy.
Gob CakeThis gob cake recipe has been passed down in our family for generations. We always eat it at our gatherings. —Kristina Hershey, Columbia, Pennsylvania
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin TrufflesThe 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 BarkHere'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
Chocolate Peanut Butter CakeDecorate like a professional baker and become everyone's favorite host when you bake this sweet and salty chocolate peanut butter cake.
Chocolate Mint Truffle TartEating a slice of this decadent dessert is like biting into a smooth truffle candy. You can vary the flavor by using raspberry-flavored chocolate baking chips.—Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Oreos and Candy Cane Chocolate BarkThere are incredible surprises in this festive bark, including dark chocolate, candy canes and cream-filled cookies. We keep a big supply ready for gift-giving. —Robin Turner, Lake Elsinore, California
Landmark Hot ChocolateWith 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 FigsHere’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
Maine Potato CandyYears ago, folks in Maine ate potatoes every day and used leftovers in bread, doughnuts and even candy. This chocolate potato candy recipe captures the old-school flavors. —Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
Chocolate PuddingBring your favorite childhood lunchbox treat to life with this rich and decadent homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
Flourless Chocolate CakeFlourless chocolate cake rich is an elegant and decadent dessert that's actually quite easy to make at home.
Vegan Chocolate MousseMy son is allergic to dairy and eggs, so I created this silky vegan chocolate mousse recipe that he could enjoy. It's also gluten-free and grain-free. If you're having company over, it can be prepared the night before and stored in the refrigerator. —Sarah Meuser, New Milford, Connecticut
Hot ChocolateIt is time to skip the mix! Learn how to make the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted. This decadent recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Trail MixA 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 CandiesThis 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 BrowniesThis easy Mexican brownie recipe comes together quickly enough for dessert anytime because it uses a box mix. Cleanup is quick and minimal, too!
Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato PieOne 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
Champagne TrufflesWho can resist champagne truffles? Especially when they are so very easy to make! Serve them in gold foil candy cups for an elegant look. —Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
Caramel BarsA cross between a cookie and a candy bar, our decadent salted caramel bars with chocolate are a grown-up version of your favorite childhood indulgences.
Dark Chocolate Espresso Tapioca PuddingI've been experimenting with espresso powder in different dishes. I really enjoy this chocolate tapioca pudding, and I hope you do, too! —Shelly Bevington, Hermiston, Oregon
Heavenly Drinking ChocolateThe name says it all—sipping this beverage is like experiencing an out-of-this-world blend of dark and milk chocolate. The only thing that could make it better? A dollop of whipped cream on top. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Cinnamon White & Dark Chocolate Chip CookiesI 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 serving quantity may change. —Cassie Colosimo, Reading, Pennsylvania
Chocolate-Hazelnut Magic BarsThis hazelnut bar recipe puts a Nutella spin on the classic magic bar! Drizzle melted Nutella spread on top for extra flair. —James Schend, Dairy Freed
Dark Chocolate Pecan CakeMade in a single loaf pan, this doubly good chocolate cake has a nutty praline layer and two layers of fluffy whipped cream. This is the only cake my husband really likes. —Laura Draper, Garfield, Washington
Double Chocolate Espresso Pound CakeTwo of my biggest loves in life—chocolate and coffee—come together in this velvety pound cake. Grate some extra chocolate on top and thank me later. —Rachel Bernhard Seis, Taste Recipes Senior Editor
Gingerbread TrufflesI 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
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