Eating a folate-rich diet has been shown to decrease the risk of developing colorectal cancer in women, according to a new study.
Reuters reports that a 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.
The amount of folate in a mans diet did not influence the likelihood of developing colorectal cancer, however.
Researchers involved in the study say the findings are significant because they suggest that diet modifications may help cut the risk of disease.
Folate is a B vitamin known to support red blood cell production and help prevent anemia and homocysteine build-up in the blood. It is also important for cell production, nerve function and prevention of osteoporosis-related bone fractures and dementias like Alzheimers, according to WHfoods.com.
It can be found in dietary sources like romaine lettuce, spinach, asparagus, broccoli, beets and lentils as well as in nutritional health supplements.