A new study finds a diet rich in the B vitamin folate is linked to a decreased risk of developing colorectal cancer in women.

The South Korean study found females who ate the most folate had about a two-thirds lower risk of getting the disease than women who got smaller amounts of the vitamin, according to Reuters.

However, the amount of folate in a man’s diet did not influence the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer.

Researchers involved with the study say the findings are significant because they suggest that diet modifications may help cut the risk of disease.

According to the website wbfoods.com, folate is a B vitamin known to support red blood cell production and help prevent anemia and homocysteine build-up in the blood. It’s also important for cell production, nerve function and prevention of osteoporosis-related bone fractures and dementias like Alzheimer’s.

It can be found in dietary sources like romaine lettuce, spinach, broccoli, beets and lentils as well as in supplement form.