Yes, processed chocolate is bad for sore throat especially when it contains dairy or sugar.
Sugary treats like processed chocolate feed the bacteria responsible for sore throat and worsen it. Chocolate can also prolong the healing time, making you go through so much pain.
However, chocolate such as dark unsweetened chocolate made with real cacao can be effective in treating sore throat or cough.
This article will help you understand why chocolate is bad for sore throat and how some varieties can be useful for the same condition.
Why is chocolate bad for sore throat?
Chocolate is not good for sore throat because of its high amounts of sugar or dairy.
Dairy increases mucus buildup in your throat while sugar feeds the bacteria responsible for the sore throat.
Feeding the bacteria will cause a burning sensation in your throat, aggravate the pain, and slow the healing process.
Hence, regardless of whether it is white chocolate, milky chocolate, or your favorite branded chocolate bar, you’re probably setting yourself up for more pain than you can imagine.
Maybe you unknowingly ate a bar of sugary chocolate while having a throat infection, saltwater gargle or herbal tea mixed with cinnamon, cloves, honey or mint can help soothe the pain.
Can hot chocolate relieve sore throat?
Hot chocolate beverages made from sweetened cocoa should not be used to treat sore throats.
Regular hot chocolate drinks have a high sugar content and will worsen the throat infection. Also, because chocolate beverages usually have a thick and sticky texture, they can trap the bacteria in your tonsils and help them to thrive.
However, hot chocolate beverages made with dark chocolate from pure cacao will help and relieve the soreness to a good degree.
When should you not use chocolate for sore throat?
Do not use chocolates for a sore throat if they contain sugar or dairy and if your sore throat is a result of acid reflux.
Chocolate contains cocoa which is known to boost gastric acid production and worsen acid reflux. Gastric acid shot up to your throat will worsen a sore throat.
This also happens with coffee. Therefore, it’s best to avoid green or black tea that contains caffeine and coffee as they aggravate acid reflux.
How does dark chocolate soothe a sore throat?
Research has found that dark chocolate made from real cacao contains theobromine, an alkaloid that can suppress the urge to cough. Theobromine was also found to be more effective than codeine.
However, to enjoy the soothing effect of chocolate on cough or sore throat, go with dark chocolate that contains over 70% concentration of cacao.
Dark chocolates with over 70% concentration of cacao are generally healthier and contain less sugar compared to their sweetened counterparts.
How do you use dark chocolate to treat a sore throat?
To use chocolate as a remedy for an irritated throat, it should be dark chocolate made from real cacao.
Also, it would help if you held it in your mouth for a long period. Rather than just swallow a big chunk of chocolate, get yourself dark unsweetened chocolate and slowly suck on it.
What are the health benefits of chocolate?
Some of the major benefits of eating chocolate come from its high amounts of antioxidants which help to combat free radicals and relieve irritation and inflammation.
Pure chocolate is also rich in minerals, helps to boost heart health, improves brain function, and boosts the immune system.
What alternative beverages can you use for sore throat?
Drinking hot herbal or decaffeinated tea works wonders for a sore throat.
To enhance its therapeutic and healing properties, you can add lemon, honey, and mint to the mix.
FAQs
Can you be allergic to chocolate?
Yes, you can suffer allergic reactions after consuming chocolate.
Common symptoms to look out for after consuming chocolate include swelling (tongue, lips, throat), shortness of breath, wheezing or shortness of breath, stomach cramps, and/or hives.
How can you cure sore throat fast?
Sore throat is caused by viral or bacterial infection. A sore throat caused by a viral infection heals by itself while a bacterial sore throat needs treatment. But, in either case, you can do any of the following for fast relief:
- Get enough rest
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Avoid foods and drinks that will irritate your throat
- Gargle with saltwater
- Take antibiotics for a sore throat caused by bacterial infection
- Take comfort foods like broth, warm water and honey, and caffeine-free tea
What is the difference between white and dark chocolate?
Dark chocolate is made up of little or no milk, has a slightly bitter taste, and mainly consists of cocoa solids known as cacao.
On the other hand, white chocolate contains no cocoa solids and is mainly made up of milk, cocoa butter, and sugar.
Conclusion
Eating dark unsweetened chocolate is not bad for a sore throat. Dark unsweetened chocolate made with real cacao will help you feel better faster.
However, do not stop taking the recommended medications because of this. And make sure to drink plenty of fluids.
Dark chocolate made from real cacao works just like honey because of theobromine. It relieves affected nerves in the throat.
Finally, is a cup of hot chocolate a good way to jumpstart your day? Find out if hot chocolate contains caffeine.
I hope you found this article helpful.
Thanks for reading.