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Coconut oil

Why it's good: Recent research shows its main type of saturated fat, lauric acid, helps boost those healthy HDL cholesterol levels (although not as much as monounsaturated fats do).

Use it for: Baking, from scones to pie crusts. Used in place of butter in equal quantities, it's a healthier, vegan alternative to animal fat, with a sweet, hint-of-vanilla taste. Since it's solid at room temperature, you can also spread it on toast.

Next: Grapeseed oil