Researchers have long known that cervical dysplasia — a condition that can lead to cancer 66% of the time — is often associated with low levels of B vitamins, particularly folate (folic acid) and B12. A new study asked the obvious question:  if women supplement with folate and B12, does their cancer risk drop?

The answer appears to be yes: women who supplement enough to have higher folate levels in their blood had greatly reduced risk of developing cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN).

Researchers already knew that folic acid supplementation is important for pregnant women to prevent birth defects. It can also reduce every woman’s risk of hypertension. This is just one more reason to eat your green, leafy vegetables — or at least be sure to take a supplement.