There’s nothing fishy about the health benefits of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. These healthy fats have been known to lower cholesterol, improve mental health, and generally keep our brains healthy.

A recent study from the University of Georgia suggests we might soon add another notable health benefit to the list: protection against a variety of cancers.

Simply put, the study — which followed more than 250,000 people for over a decade — suggests that those with higher levels of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in their plasma are less likely to develop certain types of cancers.

Of those participants, almost 30,000 developed some type of cancer during the study period.

Omega-3 was associated with lower rates of lung, colon, stomach, and other digestive tract cancers. Omega-6 appeared to be more effective in preventing 14 types of cancers, including melanoma and brain or bladder cancer.

The study proposed that risk factors like physical activity, alcohol use, and body mass index did not prevent omega fatty acid benefits.

While omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are found in fatty fish, nuts, and some plant oils, most people likely do not maintain recommended levels of these fats. The researchers said fish oil supplements are an easy way to get enough omega-3 and omega-6. The popular supplements are already believed to help lower risk of high cholesterol and heart disease.

The researchers noted that in the study, high levels of omega-3 were shown to be associated with a slightly higher risk of prostate cancer. So, while taking the supplements should be an easy choice for women, men ought to keep that risk in mind.