Therapeutic effect of tender coconut (Cocos nucifera) on hypertension and hypercholestrolemia

Nowadays foods of health benefits are gaining more importance. Several foods are thought to possess antidiabetic as well as hypocholestrolemic activity. Although many foods may have an impact in treating above mentioned disorders one among them is tender coconut (Cocos nucifera) which is known for its electrolytes. The present study was carried out in University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore. Subjects who were the regular visitors to the dispensary for the health checkup were selected with the help of medical officer. The study was carried out for three months. The impact of the study was assessed by biochemical profile. The mean values of total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL), very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and triglyceride (TG) were found to decrease over the period of 90 days whereas high density lipoprotein (HDL) was found to increase. Mean value of TC and TG decreased from 225.7 mg/dl to 203.7 mg/dl and from 189.1 mm/dl to 165.0 mm/dl with significant difference at 5 per cent level till 45 days and was highly significant till 90 days. Systolic blood pressure showed highly significant decrease after 60 and 90 days ie 147.7 mmHg to 138.3 mmHg and 129.5 mmHg respectively. Similarly significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure was observed. The mean values for diastolic blood pressure dropped from 98.1 mmHg to 86.5 mmHg and 85.5 mmHg over 60 and 90 days respectively in hypertensive and hypercholesterolemia subjects.