When cooking and eating, it’s important to choose the most heart-healthy oils. Oils are a form of fat. Our bodies need fat for energy, digestion, vitamin absorption, and more. But too much of the wrong kind of fat can lead to heart disease.

When it comes to your health, "fat" is not necessarily a dirty word. You need some fat in your diet, and it actually performs some pretty impressive tasks like boosting energy, supporting cell growth, protecting your organs, keeping your body warm, and aiding in nutrient absorption and the manufacturing of hormones, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). And oils can be a great source of these healthy fats, but choosing the right variety is key.