The National Institute on Aging developed a laboratory method for rating antioxidant capacities of foods known as ORAC, which stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity--the measure of antioxidants in foods. According to the ORAC Values website, antioxidants may help suppress free radical damage that contributes to age-related degeneration and disease. The higher the ORAC score for a particular food, the greater the amount of antioxidants contained within that food. The ORAC method evaluates a 100 g sample of a particular food to estimate the ORAC score for that food.
Maqui Berry Powder
Maqui berry powder is ground from the maqui berry fruit. Historically, wine producers have used the maqui berry to add a red pigment to wine. The Maqui berry is native to the South American region known as Patagonia, which extends through Argentina and Chile. According to the Maqui Berry Labs website, maqui berry has one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants among all fruits. A laboratory sample of 100 g of maqui berry powder earns an ORAC score that ranges between 75,000 and 92,000,
Freeze-Dried Acaí Berry
The acaí berry grows on the acaí palms in Central and South America. According to the ORAC Values website, these berries specifically combat peroxyl and peroxynitrite free radical toxins. Health News18.com reports that the acaí berry may additionally improve skin health and promote weight loss. The ORAC score for a lab sample of 100 g of freeze dried acaí berry is 161,000.
Ground Cinnamon
Cinnamon trees are native to Bangladesh, India and Nepal. These trees are small evergreens that are part of the Lauracea family. Bark from the cinnamon tree is ground to create the familiar spice that is used around the world. A laboratory sample of 100 g of cinnamon gets 267,536 on the ORAC scale.
Ground Turmeric
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice that contains anti-inflammatory and antioxidant features. According to the ORAC Values website, turmeric has been used to lower breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer rates. Ground turmeric earns an ORAC score of 159,277.
Cumin Seed
The cumin seed has a nutty and peppery flavor that is predominantly featured in Mexican and "Tex-Mex" cuisine, and is one of the four spices found in curry powder. According to the Worlds Healthiest Foods website, cumin seeds may have anticarcinogenic properties and prevent stomach or liver tumor formation. The ORAC value for cumin seed is 76,800.
Unsweetened Dry Cocoa Powder
Powdered cocoa is ground from the cacao bean, and contains carbohydrates and stimulating substances such as alkaloids, theobromine and caffeine. Cacao powder can be mixed with tea to make a viable substitute for coffee. The ORAC value for unsweetened dry cocoa powder is 80,000.
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