Coconut Oil: Many people believe that coconut oil is health promoting. However, all Whole Food Plant-Based doctors discourage oils. NO OIL is emphasized by Dr Esselstyn, Dr McDougall, Dr Barnard, and others. No olive oil; no coconut oil; no avocado oil; … Coconut oil in particular has an abundance of saturated fats, which leads to increases in LDL cholesterol levels. What about all those MCT oils? Check out Saturated Fats in Coconuts for details — Dr Greger sheds light on some misconceptions.

Coconut milk? No. For two reasons:

1. Plant-based milks in moderation: Coconut milk is a plant-based milk, just like soy milk and almond milk. Those who follow Whole Food Plant-Based guidelines often consume such plant-based (non-dairy) milks in moderation (Why moderation? See ForksOverKnives 3-column food guidelines: green, yellow, red).
2. Coconut milk is high in saturated fats: Saturated fats are implicated in raising blood total and LDL cholesterol levels. See Saturated Fats in Coconuts for explanations by Dr Greger.

Whole coconuts? Yes, but sparingly (once in a few months) and in small quantities. I don't eat whole coconut pieces every day. I follow a LOW FAT diet with target fat percentage approximately 10%. I prefer to consume flax & chia which have an excellent Omega-3 to Omega-6 ratio.

Coconut water? Yes! Coconut water is not fat rich; it's health promoting. I used to imagine that coconut water is great for hiking and biking but Dr Greger explains that plain water is equally effective! So I still consume coconut water but I no longer see it as a beverage of choice for rehydrating myself during hiking and biking trips.