Q. What is the best way to add coconut to my diet? I have heard that it has nearly miraculous health benefits, but it seems quite difficult to process a coconut from the raw form. Would I be better off using coconut oil, milk, or the shredded form?

I will also have to check the stores for alternatives. Thank you for your assistance, and have a great summer."

Answer:
Coconut oil is a medium-chain saturated fatty acid that has numerous health benefits:

• Antiviral, Antimicrobial, and Antifungal Properties
  Coconut oil contains lauric acid and its derivative, monolaurin. Both are considered to have properties that destroy viruses, such as HIV, herpes, influenza (the "flu"), and cytomegalovirus, bacteria, such as H.  pylori, and protozoa, such as giardia.
• Increases Metabolic Rate
  Coconut oil can be integrated into a healthy weight loss plan. It stimulates metabolism.
• Other Possible Benefits of Coconut Oil
  Coconut oil is also believed to help with cholesterol regulation by raising "good" HDL cholesterol. It also shows promise in tumor prevention.

What to Look For

1. Do not buy hydrogenated coconut oil or oil that has been treated with solvents, bleach, or heat.
Coconut oil should be cold-pressed and not treated with chemical solvents, bleach, or heat. It should not be hydrogenated. A health food store is probably your best bet.

2. You will get the most lauric acid for your dollar with coconut oil rather than coconut milk.
A combination of the coconut sources is most practical. For daily use, a virgin cold-pressed oil that has not been treated with heat or chemicals will give you the greatest amount of lauric acid for your money. Three and a half tablespoons of coconut oil is equivalent to ten ounces of coconut milk.

Although you will save money by using the oil, there are many uses for coconut milk in the kitchen. It can be used in countless dishes to replace cream or milk. I have added it to soup and smoothies and it is excellent in omelettes as a substitute for milk or cream. Coconut oil can be used in stirfries and in any situation calling for vegetable oil.

3. Do not use "lite" coconut milk.
"Lite" coconut milk that is low in fat is also very low in lauric acid. Look for a brand that has the highest fat content.