Studies have shown that foods with high levels of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids are essential for overall health. In addition to a host of health benefits, these fatty acids have now been linked to providing protection against several types of cancer.

A research team at the University of Georgia, after studying more than 250,000 people for 10 years, found that omega-3 and omega-6 in the blood were linked to the incidence of 19 specific types of cancer.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, known as “healthy fats,” are essential for human health. They are also present in fatty fish, nuts, avocados, and even some plant oils such as canola oil.

About 30,000 participants developed some type of cancer during the study period. Importantly, the benefits of high levels of fatty acids did not depend on other risk factors such as BMI (body mass index), alcohol use or physical activity.

Researchers said that taking fish oil supplements may help increase these healthy fats in the body, but the decision to take them is not the same for everyone.

For example, in the current study, researchers found that higher omega-3 levels may be associated with a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer.

“For women, it’s an easy decision: eat more omega-3s,” said Caixiong Ye, corresponding author of the study and associate professor in UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.