Evidence: Consume more cocoa to fight coronavirus
27th Apr 2020
We at Maddison Lea often argue chocolate fixes everything! But we would stop well short of suggesting the Coronavirus can be cured with chocolate. However, some recent research suggests that maybe chocolate can help! We love you chocolate!!
The health benefits of Cacao beans have been made since this food can into prominence some 3000 years ago. More recently, there has been research to suggest it can also aid the body in better protecting itself against influenza virus infection. By no means a cure for the coronavirus, there is some evidence it can help to boost the body’s natural immunity.
In a 2015 medical study into cocoa and its effect on influenza virus infection concluded by stating “Drinking cocoa activates natural immunity and enhances vaccination-induced immune response, providing stronger protection against influenza virus infection and disease onset”. More recently, Dr Edward Ampofo of Ghana’s Cocoa Clinic in relation to the Coronavirus pandemic, claimed that cocoa does not only help to boost the immune system but equally helps to protect the human body against infection. In his video posted on ghanaweb.com, he went on the say:
“Oxidative stress is essentially an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the ability of the body to counteract or detoxify their harmful effects through neutralization by antioxidants.”
“There is oxidative stress in infections and the body usually mobilizes, for example white blood cells in such situations. Polyphenol-rich cocoa is a strong antioxidant and therefore able to mop up these free radicals produced via oxidative stress and in turn normalizes the functions of the immune system.”
Pretty powerful stuff! His video essentially encouraged fellow Ghanaians to consume more cocoa at the moment to help the bodies immune system help combat COVID-19 symptoms.
All Maddison Lea staff have made a pledge to consume more chocolate this week. How about you?