What is ORAC Value And What is Highest ORAC Value Antioxidant?

ORAC is the oxygen rate absorption capacity of a particular food, supplement or additive in the diet. The ORAC value score is established by the National Institutes of Ageing in the National Institutes of Health and involves a number of variables to rate the best antioxidant absorption level.

We have heard a lot about antioxidants in the news and there seems to be some good scientific evidence to back the claims. The general belief is that the higher the ORAC value level, the better the ability of the ingested item to attack the free radicals in our bodies. Free radicals slowly deteriorate and destroy cell reproduction ability which is believed to cause the ageing process, as well as some disorders or diseases. While these are all part of the natural order of life, there are ways to fight the free radicals to reduce the affects of the age process.

The antioxidants ORAC value of a particular food, supplement or ingested additive is measured using a variety of factors to determine its efficiency. These factors can include but are not limited to: additive content of water or fat; the temperature, the harvesting process and age; storage process and medium of the item.

It is recommended that we have an intake of between 3,000 and 5,000 ORAC units per day. Some of the most talked about antioxidants ORAC values include: ground cloves at 314,446; raw brand sumac at 312,400; ground cinnamon at 267,536; hi-tannin sorghum at 240,000; dried oregano at 200,129; and ground tumeric at 159,277. .

Many of the berries such as blueberries and blackberries are good sources of antioxidants as well as dark chocolate, prunes and raisins. Unprocessed cocoa powder has been listed as one of the best antioxidants. This, of course, is all good news to those of us that are chocolate fans!

Many of these so-called super foods are being offered in supplement and additive forms. If you are purchasing these items, be sure to read the labels to ensure that the percentage of main ingredient is sufficient to substantiate the claims and purchase from a reputable, high quality health store.

More recently, there has been a lot of news on the antioxidant benefits of the acai berry. Products are being seen all over the shelves containing acai berry and acai berry extract. Studies on the acai berry have show than it has specific antioxidant abilities for fighting specific types of free radicals: peroxyl radicals and peroxynitrite however very poor in fighting hydroxyl radicals.

The true measurement of the ORAC value should be done in laboratory conditions. While the ORAC value can be measured, with variables taken into consideration; the real time situation of our bodies is a totally different story. The body faces many different types of free radicals and it is therefore recommended to have a healthy blend of many different types of quality antioxidants to address these needs.

If you are considering increasing your intake of antioxidants, be sure to purchase from a high quality health food store. Always consult with your medical provider before making any dietary changes.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.