ORAC: Antioxidant Scores

Antioxidants are important compounds in the body that keep free radicals from attacking and damaging the cells of a body. These are chemicals, toxins, and pollutants that can be dangerous and cause damage to the human body.

As a response to these free radicals, the human body produces antioxidants naturally. However, these alone are not enough, which is why the consumption of foods that are rich in antioxidants is essential. Supplements can also be taken in order to ensure that there is no shortage.

Free radicals are akin to waste produced by the cells of the body, and thus, it is important for them to be processed and removed. If this does not happen, the human body can experience oxidative stress, which has consequently been linked to cancer, heart disease, and arthritis. (Simone Reuter, 2010)

The ORAC Score

The ORAC unit or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity is a method that was developed by scientists and researchers working at the National Institute of Health and Aging (NIH). The ORAC value or ORAC score is a measure of the antioxidant capacity of a wide range of foods.

Although an exact relationship has not been established between the ORAC score of food and its health benefit, it is a common belief that foods that have a high value have a greater antioxidant capacity. Therefore, they are better able to effectively neutralize the dangerous free radicals present in the body.

As per the free-radical theory of disease and aging, a high intake of foods rich in antioxidants will help slow down the process of oxidation, as well as free radical damage. Both these are significant contributors to age-related disease and degeneration.

How Many ORAC Units Should Be Consumed In A Day?

The ORAC unit was developed at the TUFTS University for the US Department of Agriculture or USDA. This was done to provide a reliable and easy way of determining the antioxidant capacity of different kinds of foods.

According to the FDA, for a person to stay in optimal health, they should consume a total of at least 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC score worth of foods on a daily basis. On the other hand, athletes need an intake of an even greater account to perform well.

Method Of Performing The ORAC Test

The process of testing a food item for its ORAC value is a simple one. The first step is to place the sample in a test tube, as well as certain molecules to help in the generation of free radical activity. Other molecules are also placed inside the test tube, specifically those that are vulnerable to the process of oxidation.

After a short while, the sample is checked to see how well it protected the vulnerable molecules. The lesser the free radical damage is, the greater the antioxidant capacity of the tested substance.

Various Spices And Their ORAC Value

There are various spices that can be consumed every day for a specific supply of antioxidants. Here are the ORAC scores of some.