A diet full of soy-rich foods may help postmenopausal women lower their risk of developing colorectal cancer, according to a new study.

Findings published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition discovered that women who ate at least 10 grams of soy protein each day cut their risk of colorectal cancer by one-third, compared with patients who consumed the lowest amounts.

Researchers monitored more than 68,000 postmenopausal women for an average of 6.4 years and found that the amount of soy found in one serving of tofu or edamame could offer protection against this type of cancer, if consumed regularly.

Commenting on the research, Lisa Kelly of the United Soybean Board said that it “demonstrates how important it is for baby boomer and older women to add soy into their daily diet.”

Previous research published in May 2008 suggested that soy can also be beneficial for men. Scientists at Northwestern University said that a compound found in soybeans was able to help prevent the spread of prostate cancer in mice.