Broccoli could protect against radiation sickness

Cinzia Cuneo 18 novembre, 2013 salute, verdure

Good news for the broccoli-lovers. A study published recently in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, looked at the protective qualities of 3,3’-diindolylmethane, or DIM and found it to protect mice and rats from otherwise lethal doses of radiation.

Rats in the study were given lethal doses of gamma ray radiation. Then, they were treated with DIM injections for two weeks, beginning only minutes after the radiation. All of the rats who were not treated with DIM died, but 60% of those treated with DIM survived 30 days after the exposure.

The relationship of this study with broccoli is that DIM is produced naturally in the stomach after people eat cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts or cabbage.

Previous studies have already demonstrated that the vegetables in the cruciferous family are beneficial to prevent some cancer types, such as prostate and lung. They are also deemed to reduce occurrence of cardiovascular diseases.

Try some of our recipes that feature crucifers :

• Braised Brussels Sprouts with Marjoram
• Ligurian Broccoli Soup
• Pasta with Broccoli Rabe
• Sautéed Chinese Broccoli
• Sunchoke and Kale Sauté
• Thai Noodles with Beef

Autori

Cinzia Cuneo

Italiana di nascita e canadese d'adozione, Cinzia ha deciso di coniugare le sue competenze professionali e la sua passione per la buona tavola sviluppando un servizio per aiutare i numerosi «aventi bisogno» a riprendere il controllo della loro alimentazione. Così è nata SOSCuisine. Ingegnere di formazione al Politecnico di Torino, Cinzia ha conseguito un Master's Degree in scienze applicate all'École Polytechnique de Montréal.