While a lowfat diet is overrated and offers questionable health benefits, new research shows that there may be a reason to follow a vitamin-rich, lowfat diet.

Is a lowfat diet a healthy diet for every woman? Research from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa found that this type of diet may lower the risk of bacterial vaginosis by more than 50 percent.

This common vaginal infection, which causes discharge, odor, and irritation, usually requires antibiotic treatment. “The nutrients found in many of these lowfat plans may help to bolster the immune system, decreasing the risk of an overgrowth of bacteria that causes the infection,” says study author Yasmin Neggers, R.D., a professor of human nutrition.

“On the flip side, a high-fat diet seems to increase the pH of the vagina, which encourages bacterial growth.”

Healthy diet for every woman Women in the study who steered clear of the infection consumed the following daily:

Vitamin E (13 mg or more): A 1-once package of sunflower seeds contains a whopping 7 milligrams of this vitamin.

Calcium (1,040 mg or more): Two tablespoons of grated Romano cheese contain 150 milligrams for about 50 calories.

Fat (75 g or less): Trading 3 ounces of chicken thighs for breast meat will trim 6 grams of fat from your meal.

Folate (460 mcg or more): Add 1/2 cup each of beans and cooked spinach to your soup and you are halfway there. [source: Shape]