You Should Start Cooking With This Oil If You Have High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is a vital statistic that measures the actual pressure of the blood in the artery walls, pumped out by the heart. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) explains that healthy blood pressure can change throughout the day, rising and falling with certain activities. However, a normal, healthy blood pressure typically hovers around, or less than, 120/80 mmHg. 

The Mayo Clinic reports that when blood pressure is too high, it is known as hypertension. Individuals with hypertension are at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke. Furthermore, the CDC shares that the kidneys, eyes, and brain can also be harmed when blood pressure remains high. 

According to the CDC, there are many ways to manage blood pressure, including getting an adequate amount of exercise, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy diet. It's common knowledge that certain foods, like those high in sodium, should be avoided if you are living with hypertension. However, there are also some foods that have been shown to support healthy blood pressure. 

The Mayo Clinic reports that olive oil, a staple in the Mediterranean diet, helps reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. A 2020 study published in the Nutrients journal found that, in both clinical and human studies, extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) has a significant positive impact on blood pressure levels. The researchers stated that the oil "appears to be the optimal fat choice in management protocols for hypertension in both otherwise healthy and cardiovascular patients."

Another study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that adding 3-4 tablespoons of EVOO to your daily diet can potentially lower your blood pressure. The study found that participants were able to reduce their blood pressure medication dosage by up to 50% while using EVOO daily over the course of 1 year.

A 2014 study published in the journal Lipids in Health and Disease showed that olive oil is the only monosaturated fat linked to a reduced risk of stroke and heart disease. With strong support and research pointing to olive oil as the healthiest fat to choose from, it could be helpful for your overall health to swap your fats for EVOO. If you suspect you have hypertension, see your doctor who can best help you manage the condition.