What Is ORAC?


by Desiree Penaranda - Date: 2007-01-23 - Word Count: 346 Share This!

ORAC is a way for consumers to measure the "antioxidant power" of a product or a chemical substance. A deficiency in antioxidants has shown to create cellular damage that over time leads to accelerated aging and chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and arthritis.

But how does the average person know how much they are getting when they eat in order to fight free radicals and aging? ORAC is the answer.

ORAC the acronym for Oxygen Radical Absorbence Capacity tells us what the value is of certain foods and/or supplements to guide us in maintaining sufficient levels so that we may utilize the benefits of antioxidants. ORAC is expressed as units or value and the higher the value, the greater the antioxidant power.

According to research, we should consume about 3000-5000 units per day to maintain significant levels that would enable us to fight free radicals. But the average American consumes about 1000 units per day. That's 4000 units short of what is said we require. Over time, this deficiency increases and can contribute to aging, chronic diseases and degenerative cells.

Despite the information we know, many people are uninformed or uneducated on the importance of antioxidants and its power. But the people who do take action and participate in their quest for good health, enjoy the benefits of truly healthy living without spending their 'golden years' (or younger) in a doctors' office multiple days a week.

Many doctors including Nicholas Perricone, M.D., author of "The Wrinkle Cure", suggest antioxidant therapy for many patients in place of cosmetic surgery. This plays a significant role in the impact and the importance that antioxidants have in maintaining youth and beauty.

Antioxidants may be found in fruits or vegetables and/or supplements. Great sources of high ORAC units can be found in

BLUEBERRIES (1/2 cup = 1600 units), STRAWBERRIES (1/2 cup = 830 units), STEAMED SPINACH (1/2 cup cooked = 830 units), RAISINS ( ¼ cup = 1010 units), PINK GRAPEFRUIT ( ½ fruit = 580 units), CANTALOUPE (1/2 melon = 670 units), and CRANBERRIES ( ½ cup = 830 units).

Keep fruits and vegetables convenient to snack on, and you'll be more likely to maintain sufficient levels of antioxidants.


Related Tags: health, vegetables, antioxidants, nutrition, anti-aging, beauty, aging, wrinkles, diseases, fruits

Desiree Penaranda --> http://www.myalternative-health.info "alternative health tips, solutions & info that promote natural healing"

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