chocolate

Cocoa products that have increasingly made the news for their multiple health benefits ranging from cardiovascular disease to cancer and other medical conditions may also be a handy cure for persistent cough, claims a new study.

The traditional treatment for unrelenting coughing has been opiate-based medicines such as syrups with codeine which tend to make one sleepy and impaired.

According to researchers, there is an ingredient found in dark chocolate called theobromine that is as or even more effective than cough syrup containing codeine in getting rid of coughing fit.

A new study claims eating the cocoa delight three or four times a week during pregnancy cuts the risk of developing pre-eclampsia, a common cause for complications.

Pre-eclampsia is a condition that drives up the blood pressure and hampers the transfer of oxygen and nutrients through the placenta to the baby causing difficulties like premature birth, stillborn babies, caesarian, or even the death of the mother.