Chocolate for cough - this is how the delicious candy helps

Chocolate for a cough: It is tempting to conjure up a scratch in your throat with a bar of chocolate. We will explain what is behind it.

Chocolate for cough: This is how the candy relieves the urge to cough

Chocolate as medicine sounds bewitching. We will explain in which case chocolate can relieve your cough.

A British scientist brought the topic to the table: Slowly sucking a piece of chocolate with a high cocoa content - ideally very dark chocolate - could effectively alleviate coughing.
If you try it yourself and actually feel relief, the following mechanism of action could be behind it: The melted chocolate lies like a protective film on your irritated mucous membrane.
This is how the chocolate film shields the nerve endings, which otherwise trigger the urge to cough. A theory that is as simple as it is obvious.
In fact, previous studies have shown that the alkaloid theobromine contained in cocoa can relieve coughing and uncomfortable burning when the artificial, sharp irritant capsaicin is sprayed into the throat.

Studies have also looked into whether theobromine can take cough syrup containing the antitussive agent codeine.

The studies showed that agents with cocoa components work at least as effectively as the codein-containing drug - and without any side effects.
Whether the results speak more for chocolate and cocoa as an effective anti-cough medicine or against cough syrup containing codeine - there is still controversy.
In addition, it is questioned whether the amount of active ingredients in chocolate is sufficient for an effect. After all, a treatment should not turn into a chocolate sugar shock.
In the above experiment with theobromine, approximately 1000 milligrams were administered. Unsweetened dark chocolate contains about 30 grams 400 milligrams, dark sweet 150 to 200 milligrams, milk chocolate about 60 to 80 milligrams of theobromine.
An argument for chocolate: consumption increases the level of serotonin, which is known to ensure a good mood. Positive feelings in turn support the immune system.
Therefore, you can try a few pieces of chocolate as soon as you feel a slight scratch in your throat. Test if dark chocolate helps you.

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