Chocolate has 'cancer-fighting' properties

Chocolate isn't just for enjoyment this Valentine's Day - it has the same cancer-fighting properties as red wine, blueberries, garlic and tea, according to the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA).

The body, who is organising Ghana's 7th National Chocolate Day this Thursday said research into the benefits of chocolate indicated that two ways chocolate worked as a cancer fighter were by inhibiting cell division and reducing inflammation, as well as having other health properties.

“Consuming cocoa may help people with mild cognitive impairment, a condition that affects an estimated one in five adults over age 65. Other benefits of chocolate dietary also include lowering of blood pressure, improvement of vascular function and energy metabolism," according to a press release from the GTA, which is partnering with Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) this year to organise the Valentine's celebrations.

On the 14th the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) has organised a sales promotion programme dubbed Golden Tree Sales Train on the Akwapim Ridge making stops at market centres along the route, finally ending at the Mampong-Akwapim Secondary Technical High School for the Deaf to fete the staff and students.

The GTA is encouraging everyone to give a box or bar of chocolate to the vulnerable in society on Chocolate day, and urged all accommodation and catering establishments to serve at least one chocolate dish on 14th February.