The health effects of chocolate are being more solidly proven every day, but the newest suggestion is surprising: chocolate may help fight against malaria.
Bill Gates is sponsoring studies of the possibility that chocolate may be effective against the widespread tropical disease, according to a story in The Telegraph. Chocolate contains compounds that can bind fats in the blood, which are the food of the malaria parasite. Researcher Steven Maranz will use grant funds to test the idea.
The World Health Organization estimates that malaria kills 3,000 children a day, making it one of the most significant public health issues.
