{"id":868477,"date":"2019-01-30T14:20:50","date_gmt":"2019-01-30T20:20:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/?p=868477"},"modified":"2021-12-30T16:16:02","modified_gmt":"2021-12-30T22:16:02","slug":"chocolate-can-fight-coughs-better-than-some-cold-medicine","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/article\/chocolate-can-fight-coughs-better-than-some-cold-medicine\/","title":{"rendered":"Chocolate Can Fight Coughs Better Than Some Cold Medicine\u2014Here’s Why"},"content":{"rendered":"
A nagging, persistent cough can take you down for days\u2014if not weeks. The answer has always been rest, fluids and cough medicine. (A soothing bowl of soup helps, too.<\/a>) 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.<\/p>\r\n A recent study<\/a> 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!<\/p>\r\n\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n 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.<\/p>\r\n 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.<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n Forget honey and lemon. You may be able to cure your cough with chocolate!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7006,"featured_media":830243,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ep_exclude_from_search":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[306980,304988,306848],"categories-v2":[310014,308935,309603],"coauthors":[98743],"acf":{"long_pin_file":false,"ncv_override_generic_settings_option":false,"ncv_autoplay_option":"","ncv_stickyplay_option":"","ncv_ads_option":"","ncv_mute_option":"","ncv_comscore_option":"","ncv_moat_option":"","ncv_autoplay_mobile_option":"","ncv_viewable_threshold_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_option":"","ncv_autopause_option":"","ncv_sticky_offset_mobile_option":"","ncv_autopause_mobile_option":"","ncv_sticky_mobile_option":"","ncv_remove_player_option":false},"yoast_head":"\nWait\u2014How Does That Even Work?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\n
Ready to Try It?<\/strong><\/h3>\r\nBefore 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<\/a> 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<\/a>. This will allow the delicious candy to coat your throat and give you fast coughing relief.\r\n\r\nEven 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!\r\n\r\n\t\t\t
<\/a><\/div>Salted Dark Chocolate Tart<\/a>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 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. \u2014Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas. If you enjoyed this recipe, then learn how to make chocolate tart<\/a>.
<\/a><\/div>Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fudge<\/a>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. \u2014Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
<\/a><\/div>Gob Cake<\/a>This gob cake recipe has been passed down in our family for generations. We always eat it at our gatherings. \u2014Kristina Hershey, Columbia, Pennsylvania
<\/a><\/div>Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles<\/a>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. \u2014Monica Mooney, Roseville, California
<\/a><\/div>Nut Fruit Bark<\/a>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. \u2014Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
<\/a><\/div>Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake<\/a>Decorate like a professional baker and become everyone's favorite host when you bake this sweet and salty chocolate peanut butter cake.
<\/a><\/div>Chocolate Mint Truffle Tart<\/a>Eating 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.\u2014Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
<\/a><\/div>Oreos and Candy Cane Chocolate Bark<\/a>There 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. \u2014Robin Turner, Lake Elsinore, California
<\/a><\/div>Chocolate-Covered Pomegranate Seeds<\/a>I dunk pomegranate seeds in chocolate to get these easy little treats friends and family love. \u2014Jim Javorsky, Havre de Grace, Maryland
<\/a><\/div>Landmark Hot Chocolate<\/a>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\u2019s always a hit and it ensures nobody is left out in the cold! \u2014Mark Phillips, Bayfield, Wisconsin\r\n
<\/a><\/div>Salted Caramel & Dark Chocolate Figs<\/a>Here\u2019s a special appetizer that won\u2019t last long! Fruit, caramel and rich dark chocolate add a sweet touch to this grown-up dipped fruit. \u2014Simple & Delicious Test Kitchen
<\/a><\/div>Maine Potato Candy<\/a>Years 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. \u2014Barbara Allen, Chelmsford, Massachusetts
<\/a><\/div>Chocolate Pudding<\/a>Bring your favorite childhood lunchbox treat to life with this rich and decadent homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
<\/a><\/div>Flourless Chocolate Cake<\/a>Flourless chocolate cake rich is an elegant and decadent dessert that's actually quite easy to make at home.
<\/a><\/div>Vegan Chocolate Mousse<\/a>My 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. \u2014Sarah Meuser, New Milford, Connecticut
<\/a><\/div>Hot Chocolate<\/a>It 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.
<\/a><\/div>Cranberry Dark Chocolate Trail Mix<\/a>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! \u2014Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma
<\/a><\/div>Chocolate Pomegranate Candies<\/a>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. \u2014Kelly Zdrowak, Orchard Park, New York
<\/a><\/div>Easy Mexican Brownies<\/a>This easy Mexican brownie recipe comes together quickly enough for dessert anytime because it uses a box mix. Cleanup is quick and minimal, too!
<\/a><\/div>Dark Chocolate-Caramel Macchiato Pie<\/a>One of my first entries in the National Pie Championship was this impressive pie with coffee flavor and cool chocolate curls on top. \u2014Amy Mills, Sebring, Florida
<\/a><\/div>Champagne Truffles<\/a>Who can resist champagne<\/a> truffles? Especially when they are so very easy to make! Serve them in gold foil candy cups for an elegant look. \u2014Deirdre Cox, Kansas City, Missouri
<\/a><\/div>Caramel Bars<\/a>A 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.
<\/a><\/div>Dark Chocolate Espresso Tapioca Pudding<\/a>I'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
<\/a><\/div>Heavenly Drinking Chocolate<\/a>The name says it all\u2014sipping 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. \u2014Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
<\/a><\/div>Cinnamon White & Dark Chocolate Chip Cookies<\/a>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 serving quantity may change. \u2014Cassie Colosimo, Reading, Pennsylvania
<\/a><\/div>Chocolate-Hazelnut Magic Bars<\/a>This hazelnut bar recipe puts a Nutella spin on the classic magic bar! Drizzle melted Nutella spread on top for extra flair.\u00a0\u2014James Schend<\/a>, Dairy Freed<\/a>
<\/a><\/div>Dark Chocolate Pecan Cake<\/a>Made 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. \u2014Laura Draper, Garfield, Washington
<\/a><\/div>Double Chocolate Espresso Pound Cake<\/a>Two of my biggest loves in life\u2014chocolate and coffee\u2014come together in this velvety pound cake. Grate some extra chocolate on top and thank me later. \u2014Rachel Bernhard Seis, Taste Recipes<\/I> Senior Editor
<\/a><\/div>Gingerbread Truffles<\/a>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. \u2014Angela Randjelovic, Independence, Ohio
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Dark Chocolate Bourbon Balls<\/a><\/h2>\r\nRemember the days at Grandma and Grandpa's house when you made these wonderfully traditional treats? We love these Kentucky Derby bourbon balls\u2014the blended taste of bourbon and pecans is irresistible! \u2014Taste Recipes<\/em> Test Kitchen<\/a>\r\n\r\n[embed_shop_button shop_btn_text=\"Go to Recipe\" shop_btn_url=\"https:\/\/www.tasteofhome.com\/recipes\/dark-chocolate-bourbon-balls\/\" \/]\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Salted Dark Chocolate Tart<\/a><\/h2>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 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. \u2014Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas. If you enjoyed this recipe, then learn how to make chocolate tart<\/a>.
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Dark Chocolate Raspberry Fudge<\/a><\/h2>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. \u2014Barbara Lento, Houston, Pennsylvania
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Gob Cake<\/a><\/h2>This gob cake recipe has been passed down in our family for generations. We always eat it at our gatherings. \u2014Kristina Hershey, Columbia, Pennsylvania
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Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles<\/a><\/h2>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. \u2014Monica Mooney, Roseville, California