As awareness of health and wellness continues to grow, the need for clear, practical, and trustworthy guidance becomes even more important as individuals become more conscious and cautious about heart-related conditions such as hypertension. Choosing what’s good for you can start in the kitchen, a practical step that one can do every day.

The World Health Organization defines hypertension as a serious condition that increases the risk of heart, brain, kidney, and other diseases. According to the latest available data from the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, approximately 2 in 10 Filipino adults aged 20 years and older (20.6 percent) have hypertension. This finding comes from the 2021 Expanded National Nutrition Survey (ENNS), which reported the true prevalence of hypertension based on blood pressure measurements, prior diagnosis, and the use of antihypertensive medication.

To raise awareness and ensure that effective strategies for the prevention, treatment, and control of hypertension are actively pursued, May of each year is proclaimed and recognized as Hypertension Awareness Month.

According to various health institutions in the Philippines and around the world, like the American Heart Association (AHA), the Philippine Heart Association (PHA), and the National Nutrition Council (NNC), diet plays a significant role in shaping well-being. These institutions acknowledge that a healthy diet is key to better health, specifically reducing intake of saturated fats. These so-called “bad fats” increase the levels of “bad” cholesterol, potentially leading to hypertension. Elevated bad cholesterol levels can cause buildup in the arteries, eventually clogging them and hindering blood flow.

Dietary patterns that are low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats are usually recommended by health care providers. Examples of foods low in saturated fats include vegetable seed oils such as canola, corn, and soya. Since they are a staple in most kitchens, they become a key factor in managing proper fat intake. Choosing oils high in unhealthy fats or using them excessively, can lead to long-term cardiovascular risks. On the other hand, selecting cooking oils with better fat profiles, or those that are high in unsaturated fats and low in saturated fats, and using them in appropriate amounts with proper diet and exercise, can help support heart health and reduce the risk of hypertension.

Many individuals today feel uncertain and overwhelmed when choosing everyday ingredients, particularly in cooking oil. What was once a simple kitchen staple has become a source of confusion, driven by an overload of content and information from various sources: from social media ads to so-called wellness gurus and influencers, both verified and unverified.

As oils are everyday staples in the kitchen, the type of oil used can significantly influence overall fat intake and heart health. Choosing the right one is not just about taste or convenience—it’s about supporting long-term wellness through better nutrition, even in simple and small ways.

Various seed oils like canola, soya, and corn oil are rich in unsaturated fats, which are known to support healthy cholesterol levels when used in place of saturated fats. They also contain phytosterols, natural plant compounds found in vegetable oils that help reduce cholesterol absorption, which may help lower LDL or “bad” cholesterol levels when consumed as part of a balanced diet and supported by an active lifestyle.

Moreover, seed oils are a source of essential fatty acids such as Omega-3 and Omega-6, which support heart health, brain function, and regulate inflammation. Since the body cannot produce these fatty acids on its own, they must be obtained through food, with everyday cooking oils as one of the most accessible sources.

These nutrients are crucial in maintaining heart function and may help reduce the risk of hypertension when part of a balanced diet. Being naturally cholesterol-free, it can be a practical and heart-friendly option for Filipino households aiming to make lifestyle changes in the kitchen.

Golden Fiesta Canola Oil is the Doctors’ Most Prescribed Canola Oil, based on a nationwide survey of physicians conducted by MIMS Philippines from October to November 2025. It is a trusted option that supports a heart-healthy lifestyle, especially for households that are mindful of what they eat. Canola cooking oil is naturally low in saturated fats and high in unsaturated fats, which are widely recognized as “good fats” that support the heart when used in place of saturated or “bad” fats.

Its light texture and neutral taste make it suitable for a wide range of cooking methods commonly used in Filipino kitchens, from sautéing and frying to baking, allowing families to prepare everyday meals that deliver taste and nourishment. Because it is versatile and easy to use, it seamlessly fits into daily cooking, making healthier decisions more habitual and sustainable.

Golden Fiesta empowers consumers to make informed and smart choices in the kitchen. Empowering consumers begins with a better understanding of what goes into everyday cooking ingredients like cooking oils. By becoming more informed about ingredients and their nutritional benefits, you can make more confident choices that support your heart’s health.