High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is characterized by a repeated elevation of the blood pressure (usually exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg) and is common among older people. However, there are also known cases where it affected younger individuals since it’s a top risk-factor for other types of diseases such as obesity.
A serious case of hypertension can cause changes in the blood vessels and can often lead more serious diseases such as kidney failure, brain damage, and abnormal thickening of the cardiovascular muscles.
According to experts, blood pressure is not a curable disease but it can easily be prevented and properly be managed by adopting a healthier lifestyle: regular exercises, proper diet, and medication (such as beta-blockers and blood vessel dilators).
While these prevention and treatment methods are effective, it’s also an advantage to rely on a healthy and natural option. Raw virgin coconut oil, for instance, has all the right properties that can both prevent and manage hypertension even in its most acute stages.
So how can virgin coconut oil or VCO help reduce blood pressure level? These sections will answer your question.
1. Virgin coconut oil is rich in medium chain fatty acids.
A healthy heart means a more stable blood pressure. Virgin coconut oil is composed mostly of the rarest and highly essential healthy kind of fat, the medium chain fatty acids (MCFAs), and has more heart-healthy benefits than vegetable oil.
Unlike long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), the fat found in virgin coconut oil can be quickly digested, so that instead of turning into an unhealthy fat (which could clog and damage the arteries), they are rather transformed into effective energy sources for the body.
2. VCO has the same effects as food rich in omega-3.
Food rich in omega-3 is good for people suffering from hypertension, so it’s advisable to regularly consume rich sources like fish oil and vegetable oil. However, virgin coconut oil, even if it doesn’t have Omega-3, has enough composition of fatty acids that have been proven to be over and above when it comes to lowering blood pressure.
A related study conducted by the West Indian Medical Journal supports the claim of the wonders of coconut oil, revealing that a regular dose of this natural product can dramatically reduce a sufferer’s diastolic pressure by 29%, and systolic blood pressure up to 71%.
3. Virgin coconut oil, unlike heated oils, can lower cholesterol.
A high-cholesterol level is a risk factor for high blood pressure, and cold-pressed virgin coconut oil has been found to be effective in bringing this number down.
In contrary to heated coconut oil and other types of oil, it’s a safer and healthier option especially for older sufferers who are also battling other ailments such as diabetes and heart diseases.
Related Article: Virgin Coconut Oil and Diabetes: 12 Facts You Should Know
4. Combined with exercise, virgin coconut oil is a superfood.
According to a recent study at the Federal University of Paraiba, a Brazilian institution, combining a daily dose of virgin coconut oil and regular aerobic exercise can significantly benefit those suffering from hypertension. How?
The two activities can both effectively restore one’s baroreflex sensitivity (a mechanism that helps regulate your body’s blood pressure) and efficiently reduce oxidative stress. Combined, the benefits of these activities are doubled especially in stabilizing blood pressure.
5. Virgin coconut actively prevents heart problems.
As mentioned in the previous section, a healthy heart means a more stable blood pressure. Virgin coconut oil is good for the heart because it’s a rich source of lauric acid, a special type of fatty acid that actively fights the most common causes of a heart attack – effectively preventing the onset of hypertension.
In contrary to the myth that virgin coconut oil is bad for the heart because of its high-saturated fat content, this miracle oil is actually a rich source of healthy fatty acids that can lower the chances of developing early symptoms of cardiovascular diseases.
6. Virgin coconut oil prevents obesity – a leading cause of hypertension.
Obesity, especially among younger people, is associated with a greater risk of developing high blood pressure. High levels of fat and cholesterol in the blood can clog and damage the arteries, causing long-term health problems like hypertension, heart disease, and even diabetes.
Incorporating virgin coconut oil into the diet can promote healthy digestion and faster metabolism. Coupled with exercise, daily consumption of this wonder oil can prevent the build-up of fat in the body and at the same time, curb cravings because it is immediately converted into energy for the body.
Related Article: 10 Ways Virgin Coconut Oil Helps in Weight Management
7. Virgin coconut oil fights virus-caused high blood pressure.
Unbeknownst to most people, viral infections can cause high blood pressure. According to experts, a common viral infection, cytomegalovirus (CMV) is one of the major causes of hypertension especially among adults worldwide.
Virgin coconut oil has antibacterial and antiviral properties that are effective in fighting off a long list of pathogens and viruses. This is because of its high content in lauric acid. Upon consumption, the body converts this acid into monolaurin, a common antiviral agent. In other words, a daily dosage of virgin coconut oil can boost the immune system and effectively prevent viral infections such as CMV.
8. Virgin coconut oil helps control blood pressure – especially for diabetics.
People suffering from diabetes are also prone to hypertension – and this instability in the blood pressure can often raise the chances of the former’s risks of contracting more serious illnesses like stroke, heart disease, and kidney failure.
Most doctors will advise patients with diabetes to control their blood pressure by taking medications such as ACE inhibitors (also known as angiotensin receptor blockers), in order to manage this fatal combination. However, experts also agree that leaning on to a natural and healthy supplement in the form of virgin coconut oil can deliver beneficial effects.
Aside from stabilizing blood pressure by widening the blood vessels, VCO’s medium-chain fatty acids can effectively fight insulin resistance and reduce blood glucose levels.
Medication, when it comes to managing hypertension, can be effective but it also comes with a long list of side effects. Most often, these side effects bring in other health problems to an already unfavorable circumstance. The good news is, relying on a healthy and more natural supplement can promise better results – and not to mention a more comfortable experience while dealing with this disease.
Related Article: 50 Health Benefits of Raw Virgin Coconut Oil
About Koko Oil
To get the full benefits of virgin coconut oil, choose raw virgin coconut oil from organically grown coconuts. At Koko Oil, we produce premium raw virgin coconut oil from organically grown coconuts in the Philippines using the cold press centrifuged method. This method ensures that the oil is not altered but remains in its natural form. Our oil is unrefined, unbleached, non-deodorized, non-hydrogenated, free-from any GMO ingredients and chemicals. Enjoy the Koko Oil Brand proven healthy products in a wide variety of consumer packaging.
Disclaimer:
This article is for general information only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Though virgin coconut oil is known to have hundreds of health benefits, we recommend to always consult with your licensed physician, dietitian or health professional before consuming virgin coconut oil on a regular basis. Virgin coconut oil may be a food supplement but it should not be a substitute for your proper medical treatment and medication. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor immediately and go to the emergency department.