Could Chocolate Prevent Malaria?
October 24, 2009 by Heather R.
Filed under Chocolate News, Health and Chocolate
A recent proposal by Steven Maranz from Weill Cornell Medical College in New York could mean some very sweet health news worldwide: Studies are currently being conducted to see how chocolate can help to prevent malaria!
Malaria is one of the most common infectious diseases, affecting upwards of 350–500 million people per year, mostly in Sub-Sarahan Africa. Five species of the parasite affect humans, and the illness is typically spread by infective mosquito bites.
The parasite feeds on blood fat, and the theory is that chocolate can help to fight the parasite because chocolate sticks to cholesterol which would ultimately weaken the parasite.
The study is being funded by Bill and Melinda Gates, who have donated $100,000 to Grand Challenges in Global Health, a project of the Gates’ which funds bold ideas in combating various diseases such as AIDS, malaria and pneumonia. Other studies include using chewing gum to detect malaria in saliva, diagnosing tuberculosis by breathing, and the ability to apply vaccines under the tongue.
[image: flickr]
