There’s always been a lot of talk about “using fat to burn fat,” and we always see supplement companies offering essential fatty acid (EFA) or conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplements, suggesting that they’ll burn fat, stabilize blood sugar and generally help you get in shape. Of course, no fatty acid will replace some solid cardio, but it does have benefits. A new study shows fatty acids can help make a difference.

Researchers had 12 adults follow a low-calorie diet for three weeks while consuming a fatty acid supplement. The study examined the effects of these fatty acids on low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or “bad” cholesterol) formation. The researchers found that using a fatty acid supplement dramatically reduced the conversion of LDL precursors into LDL, and therefore dramatically reduced the LDL cholesterol that can cause heart disease and heart attacks.

FUSION FACT

While unsaturated fats aren’t a magic bullet that will effortlessly get you into the best shape of your life, they can help your cholesterol profile, preventing LDL cholesterol from getting out of control, and this could prevent you from having a heart attack. So get enough unsaturated fats in your diet, and you’ll keep away the grim reaper.