The key to surviving a nuclear disaster may lie in Brussels sprouts: A compound derived from these and other hardy vegetables protected rodents from lethal doses of radiation in recent experiments.
The compound, 3,3’-diindolylmethane or DIM, gets produced in the stomach after people eat cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cabbage. Well known for fighting cancer in animal experiments, the compound is available as a dietary supplement. Even the Dr. Oz Show has highlighted DIM’s potential anticancer benefits.