Does Coconut Oil Lower Blood Pressure?
There are always reports circulating on the internet about an allegedly positive effect of coconut oil on blood pressure. Therefore, we set out to find out if there are any verifiable studies on this.
When talking about coconut oil, a distinction must be made between virgin coconut oil and coconut fat. Coconut oil is usually available in jars, is cold-pressed from the flesh of the coconut, is unrefined, and has a consistency similar to butter: it is relatively solid when cold and becomes liquid when heated. Coconut fat is available as a block or slab, is heavily processed industrially, and is hydrogenated.
However, saturated fatty acids have a rather negative reputation regarding health.
What then is the positive effect of virgin coconut oil?
The high content of lauric acid in coconut oil is said to have positive effects on health. Lauric acid is classified as a medium-chain fatty acid, which allegedly does not raise LDL cholesterol but is said to be capable of minimizing damage to blood vessel walls. In this way, they are supposed to help prevent arteriosclerosis. This, in turn, would also have a positive influence on blood pressure values. Furthermore, coconut oil is said to have a favorable effect on body weight, as medium-chain fatty acids are considered easily digestible. They are therefore said to be primarily used by the body for energy production.
However, these are currently more assumptions than scientifically proven facts. However, the suitability of coconut oil for cooking and frying can probably be considered proven.
By Sabine Croci.
This article is medically reviewed. Last updated (04/2024).
Information on the website and within the app cannot replace a consultation with a doctor, but can certainly complement it.
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