Your favorite cooking oils might be doing more harm than good — here’s what you need to know

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When it comes to the kitchen, not all oils are created equal.

Fortunately, we created a guide to all your favorites based on information from Healthline. Here’s what you need to know.

Extra virgin olive oil

This Mediterranean staple is expensive and high-quality, but don’t cook with it. It has a low smoke point of 325 degrees. Opt to cook with regular olive oil instead, and save the expensive stuff for dressings, drizzles and dips.

Coconut oil

This healthy fat is good for everything from improving your skin and hair health to burning fat. It’s solid at room temperature with a smoke point of 350 degrees. Did you know you can also use it as a delicious substitute for butter in baked goods, both sweet and savory?

Avocado oil

Avocado oil is packed with anti-inflammatory agents that benefit the heart and lower cholesterol. With a high smoke point of 520 degrees, you can use it in pretty much any dish.

Nut and seed oils

These are rich add-ons to salads and soups, but with low smoke points, you can’t cook with these delicate oils.

Vegetable oil

Most are highly processed and contain trans fats that can lead to serious health issues. Avoid them if possible!

Now that you’ve got the skinny on oils, you can cook with confidence.

If you enjoyed this story, you might also like reading about how veggies like kale and cauliflower have a hidden dark side.

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