Raises Blood Pressure?

Posted by Vicki (Sydney, Australia) on 02/17/2007

After researching your website and many others about the health benefits of coconut oil, I have been taking 3 tablespoons daily of coconut oil since September 2006 and feel much better. I have lost weight and can now exercise without suffering pain in my knees. However, I have been taking blood pressure medication for 3 years (I am 56) and was tested last August and it was fine. I had another test this week and was shocked to find it had gone up to 175/90. I don't smoke or drink, have lost weight and am getting exercise so am wondering if it is possible that the coconut oil has caused raise in blood pressure. Could you please advise me on this, as there doesn't seem to be any information on the web, and my doctor and homeopath have no knowledge about this. Regards Vicki

Replied by Ted
Bangkok, Thailand
391 posts

Too much oil may raise blood pressure. In my opinion, three tablespoons is a bit too much. Most would just take one tablespoon a day. Most blood pressure rises are usually due to fried foods more than the coconut oil, but oils in general too much of anything is not good for you. Consider lowering the intake to just 1 1/2 tablespoon and take more granulated powdered lecithin 3 tablespoon a day to offset excess oils. If you insist in taking 3 tablespoon of coconut oil a day then you should take 6 tablespoons of granulated powdered lecithin to emulsify the fat. Within a month the blood pressure should reduce if not, reduce the coconut oil by 1/2 and avoid all fried foods and most oily foods especially, with the exception of essential oils such evening primrose oil taken now and then.

Consider taking some Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) they are also good fat emulsifiers. The reason I don't recommend as often is usually the price. Lecithin is quite often cheaper and more available. Production wise, CLA costs is actually much lower, but the marketing practices and distortions have made it more economical to use granulated powdered lecithin instead.


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