Antioxidants

The emerging world of antioxidants

What are antioxidants?  Antioxidants are molecules which prevent the damaging effects of oxygen free radicals in the body.  The damage caused by  oxygen free radicals is called oxidation. 

Less than 10% of Americans are consuming the necessary fruits and vegetables recommended by the USDA to obtain the necessary antioxidants that their bodies need to fight off the damaging effects of free radicals.

How are antioxidants measured?

The antioxidants in any food are measured by its capacity to absorb free radicals.  ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values as determined by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture measure the capacity of a food to absorb oxygen free radicals.  The USDA website recommends a Daily Antioxidant Intake Range of 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC.