What is Oxygen Radical Absorbance capacity?
- It’s a lab test that attempts to quantify the “total antioxidant capacity” (TAC) of a food by placing a sample of the food in a test tube, along with certain molecules that generate free radical activity and certain other molecules that are vulnerable to oxidation
- In other words, Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, is a test tube analysis that measures the total antioxidant power of foods and other chemical substances.
- Foods with higher ORAC scores have greater antioxidant capacity, and more effectively neutralise harmful free radicals.
| Free radicals They are oxygen-containing molecules with an uneven number of electrons. The uneven number allows them to easily react with other molecules. Free radicals can cause large chain chemical reactions in one’s body because they react so easily with other molecules. These reactions are called oxidation. |
- Scientists state that the body can effectively use 3000-5000 antioxidant or ORAC units per day. Any more than this (i.e. mega-dosing in supplement form) seems to be of no added benefit and “excess” is most likely excreted by the kidneys.
Fruits and vegetables with high ORAC
Source: USDA & Mathrubhumi
