To guarantee quality, does virgin coconut oil require refrigeration?

Virgin coconut oil doesn’t need to be refrigerated. It contains natural antioxidants which give it a long shelf life. In countries of colder climates, virgin coconut oil may solidify at room temperature. Never put it in a microwave to liquefy. Putting it in a pan of warm water will cause it to return to its solid state. Keep it out of direct sunlight.

Is there a specific amount of coconut milk that I should take in a day?  

According to researchers, the most favourable amount for adults is 3 to 4 tablespoons per day.  Use it three times a day during meal time. It is equivalent to the amount of medium chain fatty acids a nursing child would consume in one day from mother's milk.  To avoid diarrhea, it is best not to consume the recommended dosage at first especially if you are used to a low fat diet. Gradually increase your intake until your body get use to it.  

If I heat virgin coconut oil, will it turn into hydrogenated oil? 

It is absolutely safe to heat virgin coconut oil and can therefore be use for cooking. Heating coconut oil is different from hydrogenation. The latter is an industrial process where hydrogen molecules are introduced into the oil to make it solid at room temperature.  Hydrogenation chemically alters the oil and creates the toxic trans fatty acids.

If I heat virgin coconut oil, will its essential properties be destroyed?

No, the medium chain fatty acid of coconut oil is not destroyed even if heated to a high temperature. The beneficial nutrients are retained and not harmed.  The fact that coconuts are grown in areas with very hot weather explains why. God naturally designed coconut to adapt to warm climates. Also, unlike other seed oils like olive oil, coconut oil doesn’t turn into a trans fat which are toxic when heated. This makes coconut oil one of the safest oils to use for cooking.

Will eating fresh coconut meat give me the same benefits that I will get from virgin coconut oil?

Fresh coconut contains coconut oil, but it also includes fiber, protein and natural sugar.  Coconut oil doesn’t have protein. Since coconuts contain sugar, it is also not recommended for someone trying to limit sugar intake.  To get the equivalent amount of virgin coconut oil, you would have to eat more coconut by weight. Fresh coconuts also do not have a long shelf life so its quality may be not as superior as that of virgin coconut oil.

Can pregnant women take virgin coconut oil?

Virgin coconut oil is safe for anyone as it is not a medicine but a food. In coconut producing countries, it is normal for pregnant women to eat coconuts. Virgin coconut oil contains lauric acid (also present in breast milk) so it is beneficial for lactating women. But caution should be exercised as some first-users may experience allergic reaction. Let your body get used to virgin coconut oil first.