ORAC
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. However, recent studies have suggested that more active lifestyles require higher levels of antioxidants. The chart below contains the ORAC values of several high-antioxidants foods.
Research now indicates that if we obtain on a daily basis at least 5,000 ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) our bodies in most cases will be able to fight off the damaging effects of free radicals.
ORAC* Values of Top Antioxidant Foods
|
Unprocessed Cocoa Powder |
26,000 |
|
Açai Berry |
18,500 |
|
Dark Chocolate |
13,120 |
|
Prunes |
5,770 |
|
Raisins |
2,830 |
|
Blueberries |
2,400 |
|
Blackberries |
2,036 |
|
Strawberries |
1,540 |
|
Spinach, Raw |
1,260 |
|
Broccoli Florets |
890 |
|
Red Grapes |
739 |
|
Cherries |
670 |
Source: Data from U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Journal of the American Chemical Society
* Source: Brunswick Laboratories