Antioxidants interact with free radicals to lower their oxidative processes. Antioxidants may help boost your immune functioning and lower your risk of cancer. Scientists at the national institutes of health developed a method for measuring the antioxidant capacity of foods to determine which foods can more effectively neutralize free radicals . The ORAC Values website suggests that fruits and vegetables with higher Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity or ORAC value have higher antioxidant capacity.
Acai Berry
According to the ORAC Values website, the acai berry is native to Central and South America. The acai berry has among the highest ORAC values found in plants. This berry contains amino acids, essential fatty acids and antioxidants. According to an Oprah Health article, antioxidants in this berry may suppress premature aging . The article suggests that the acai berry contains 10 to 30 times the amount of anthocyanins that exist in red wine and more antioxidants than grapes. The ORAC value for the acai is 161,400.
Maqui Berry
The maqui berry is native to parts of Chile and Argentina in South America. This fruit grows on a small evergreen tree. According to the Phytochemicals website, maqui berries may have more antioxidants than any other fruit and nearly three times the amount of antioxidants in açaí berries. The website suggests that maqui can help reduce inflammation and help protect your body from oxidative stress. This berry has been used to treat illnesses such as sore throats and diarrhea. The ORAC value for concentrated maqui berry powder is 75,000.
Broccoli Raab or Rapini
According to Vegetable Gardening Online, broccoli raab contains the antioxidant vitamins C and A. The website suggests that this vegetable is rich in antioxidants that may help fight cancer. According to the Ocean Mist website, this vegetable is low in calories and sodium and has no fat or cholesterol. Ocean Mist suggests that flavonoids in this vegetable may reduce the risk of stroke. Phytochemicals in raab may effectively combat cancer cells. The ORAC value for raw broccoli raab is 3,083.
Artichokes
The artichoke is a low fat, low calorie and nutrient rich vegetable. Artichokes help your body naturally break down cholesterol. Artichokes may provide a source of insulin. Artichokes contain the antioxidant vitamins A and C. Potassium and magnesium in artichokes support healthy metabolic functions. Artichokes may improve conditions such as arteriosclerosis and hepatitis. Artichokes may provide a natural way to relieve indigestion. The Antioxidants Health Benefits website suggests that artichokes may improve conditions such as gout and migraines. The ORAC value for boiled Ocean Mist Artichokes is 9,416.
References
- ORAC Values: Antioxidant Values of Foods Sorted by ORAC Value 1
- ORAC Values: Antioxidant Values of Foods Sorted by ORAC Value 2
- ORAC Values: Antioxidant Values of Foods Sorted by ORAC Value 3
- ORAC Values: Antioxidant Values of Foods Sorted by ORAC Value 4
- ORAC Values: Antioxidant Values of Foods Sorted by ORAC Value 5
Member Comments