Normal metabolic processes in your body form molecules known as free radicals. Free radicals can cause damage to your body, contributing to heart tissue deterioration and other degenerative aging conditions. Antioxidants help neutralize the effect of free radicals, promoting a longer and healthier life. The National Institutes of Health has developed a method for measuring the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, or ORAC value, of different foods. Fruits and vegetables with higher ORAC values have higher antioxidant levels, according to ORACValues.com.
Cloves
According to an article on Super-Antioxidants.net, cloves derive their antioxidant properties from substances known as flavonoids. Super-Antioxidants states that ground cloves are "the super antioxidant of all super antioxidants." As of February 2010, ground cloves had the highest ORAC value of any tested food: 314,446.
Açaí berries
The açaí berry contains antioxidants that may kill human cancer cells, according to the University of Florida News. The News reports on a University of Florida study in which açaí berry extract triggered self-destruct responses in over 85 percent of tested leukemia cells. The article states that this fruit is among the richest fruit sources of antioxidants. The ORAC value for freeze-dried açaí berry is 102,700.
Maqui Berries
This fruit has the highest antioxidant and anthocyanin levels among all "super berries" and "super fruits," according to the Maqui Berry News website. The site states that maqui berries have eight to nine times the amount of antioxidants found in pomegranates and goji berries. This fruit may positively affect your metabolism and immune system, helping boost strength and stamina. Maqui berries also have analgesic and antimicrobial properties, and can help treat illnesses like sore throats and hemorrhoids. The fruit may also help reduce inflammation and suppress tumor growth. The ORAC value for concentrated maqui berry powder is 75,000.
Artichokes
NaturalNews.com suggests that artichokes can improve digestive health disorders, significantly lower cholesterol and protect your liver from damage. Artichokes may also help treat chronic digestive conditions like irritated stomach and bowels. NaturalNews.com suggests that artichokes are a safe way to prevent and treat high cholesterol. The antioxidants in artichokes may defend your body against cancer and heart disease, as well as suppress the degenerative effects of aging and boost your immune system. 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
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