ORAC Score Ratings and Antioxidants - Definitions and Explanations

"ORAC," an acronym for oxygen radical absorbance capacity, has become something of a buzz word in the world of health food and nutritional supplements. Many products are using high ORAC scores as bragging rights or proof of product superiority. The simple explanation is that a higher number equates to more antioxidant power, but what exactly does this mean? How are the numbers determined, and what does it do for your body? Let us examine all of these issues.

Every human body contains atoms (or groups of atoms) called free radicals. In extremely simplified terms, these are molecules that are missing an electron. They "attack" nearby molecules in order to steal an electron, or bond with them to balance themselves out. The process of transferring one electron to another is called "oxidation." In many cases, this can damage or even destroy cells important cells. Like most things that occur in the body, free radicals have positive uses in the right context. In white blood cells and other pathogens, they can help neutralize bacteria. The problems occur when the buildup of unnecessary free radicals begins, attacking vital cells, DNA, and even contributing to clogged arteries in our bodies.

Oxidation and free radicals are created in the body from a variety of sources: alcohol, cigarettes, pesticides, and various other toxins that occur in our environment. Toxic metals such as lead, which are present in most of us now through water supplies and other sources, greatly increase the quantity and potency of free radicals. It is important to realize however, that even when living a healthy lifestyle, the buildup of free radicals occurs naturally through the process of mitochondria metabolizing oxygen in our bodies. Needless to say, anyone living in the modern world will be dealing with free radicals, and can use some assistance in keeping them in check. This is where antioxidants come in.

Chances are you have heard a lot of talk about antioxidants. As the name suggests, these are molecules that help prevent and reverse the oxidation process, and are able to destroy or neutralize the free radicals. Antioxidants occur naturally in a number of fruits, vegetables, herbs and seeds, and there is now a standardized test from the U.S Department of Agriculture to determine the antioxidant power of any source. Hailing from the National Institute on Aging in Baltimore, Maryland, physician and chemist Dr. Guohua Cao is responsible for developing this test.

Dr. Cao's test involves placing the product (food, synthetic vitamin, juice, etc.) in a test tube containing free radicals. A score is given that directly corresponds to how quickly and thoroughly the radicals are either neutralized or destroyed. This is the ORAC rating, and the term oxygen radical absorbance capacity should make more sense now. This test and score sounds relatively cut and dry, but there is more to the story when it comes to evaluating the actual antioxidant properties of a product or food you are considering.

Companies will use an ORAC score based on dry weight, wet weight, or units per serving of their product. Naturally, many will choose whatever appears to be a higher number. One product may appear to have a higher score than another, so it is important to make sure that when comparing two or more products, the scores are determined under the same parameters.

Dr. Cao, as well as Dr. Ronald Prior suggest a daily ORAC value of three to five thousand units per day in order to see any positive benefits. The average American diet fails to reach this amount by over fifteen-hundred units. Published studies suggest that oxidation can cause legitimate damage to lipids, proteins, and DNA, which is a contributing factor in a variety of serious diseases. The five thousand ORAC united per day mark, according to Cao and Prior's research, can be beneficial in fighting these as well as many other age-related illnesses.

Sig: For a safe, healthy product that boasts one of the highest natural ORAC scores while containing no sugars, artificial flavors or chemicals, visit here

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Evan_Gregor 

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Acai Berries - Health Benefits Of Berry Juice And Freeze Dried Powder

by Pete Marks
Acai berries and acai berry juice products are some of latest supplements to enter the health food category as a superfood. Residents and natives of Brazil are very familiar with this berry and its products. Residents have been enjoying acai fruit juice beverages and bowls for some time. Once you have tried the juice you will probably find ways to add it to you favorite smoothie or add it to recipes. Acai freeze dried powder actually goes well in yogurt. The flavor is
something to be experienced and it tastes like blueberries with a touch of chocolate and is not overpowering.
The natives of the Amazon rain forest have been using acai berries for thousands of years as a dietary staple. These remarkable little purple berries look similar to blueberries or purple grapes and are harvested off of a palm that grows in swampy floodplains. These berries
are one of the highest ORAC value super foods available. With all the buzz it is no wonder there is a shortage and it can be hard to find in local health food stores and prices are expected to increase due to availability.
People who can benefit from acai berry supplements or freeze dried powder are athletes and the health conscious or people dealing with various illnesses. Trainers are starting to realize the importance of such a superfood and many athletes and trainers are discovering and
using acai berry products for energy and stamina.
Some of the health properties of acai are anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immune system. Some of the many uses and conditions that people are using these products for are, weight loss, cleansing and detoxing, high blood pressure, heart conditions, high cholesterol, inflammation, arthritis, allergies, eczema, psoriasis and other skin problems. Some of the health properties of acai are, weight loss, anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and immune
system.
What makes these berries so special. They are loaded with protein and fiber and contain minerals such as phosphorus, iron, calcium and potassium. Also contains B1, B2, B3, C and E essential fatty acids Omega 6 and Omega 9 respectively Linoleic acid and Oleic acid which research indicates helps maintain normal cholesterol levels.
What is even more remarkable acai berries packs the largest antioxidant punch or ORAC value of any know superfood available including blueberries, mangostien or pomegranates. Antioxidants are known to help regulate cholesterol levels and help with vascular and
cardiac function.
A high quality product source will be 100% pure USDA certified organic. Most will come in the following form, juice, puree, freeze dried powder or capsules. Some brands may call themselves an acai blend and the major ingredient listed may be acai but it you have 4 juices such as, grape, pineapple, apple and acia and the first 3 are 20% and the last is 40% then actually the product you are buying is only 40% acai berry juice always check when buying a blend if not sure write,
email or call the company. The best berry juice or products will be 100% pure with no sugars added. Consider the freeze dried acai powder as you can mix it with juices and other food products such as yogurts and smoothies.


About the author:
To review the best retail or wholesale acai products please visit Acai Berry Juice

Article source:
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Related Acai berry posts:

• Understanding Acais Antioxidants

• Benefits of Acai Berry Juice and Freeze Dried Powder 

• ORAC values of Acai Berry, Goji Berry, Pomegranate and Mangosteen

• Anthocyanin Antioxidants in the Acai Berry

• Acai Berry Drink

Useful links
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Antioxidants and Health

Antioxidant Capacity Measurement - Food ORAC Values 2007

ORAC(Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity) is the favored choice in the science community in measuring the antioxidant capacity of foods. Blueberries, blackberries, apple, eggplant and other foods have different orac values. ORAC measures how well the antioxidants in food neutralize free radicals.

The Agriculture Research Service of the United States Department of Agriculture has recently provided data on the ORAC values of 277 food items. The data is available for download at http://www.ars.usda.gov/Services/docs.htm?docid=15866.

For your info.

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ORAC

ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It is a measure of the antioxidant capacity of food or other organic substances.

How the measurement is done

A comparison is made between two mixtures.

The first mixture is a substance (fluorescein) combined with a free radical (peroxyl radical). The oxidation of the fluorescein is checked every minute for several minutes after the two are combined. From this, the rate of oxidation is known.

The second mixture is the same as the first but with the addition of an antioxidant substance to be measured. The oxidation of the fluorescein is then checked at the same frequency as the first mixture.

Different results from different antioxidants are observed. The introduction of an antioxidant substance significantly slows the oxidation of the fluorescein.

A list of top scoring ORAC units of fruits and vegetables can be found here.

How much daily ORAC units do we need?

Experts suggest that we ingest at least 5,000 ORAC units in a day to have a significant effect on our body's antioxidant levels. This amount could raise your antioxidant levels by 10% to 25%. To achieve this level, you need to eat 8 to 10 servings of different fruits and vegetables.

Can antioxidant pills achieve the same results?

Fruits and vegetables does not only contain antioxidants but a mix of many different nutrients. Go for fruits and vegetables if you can. Only take antioxidant pills if your daily schedule prohibits you from eating that much fruits and vegetables.

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antioxidant

Aging - Antioxidants and Cognitive Brain Function

"Pedro can do it better because he's younger"

As I'm getting older, in my late 40's now, I often hear that statement. My age group seem to accept the fact that the younger ones are better in their cognitive abilities. Solving puzzles, learning musical instruments or whatever challenges there are that involves brain function.

Brain cells communicate with each other

Our billions of brain cells communicate with each other through chemical neurotransmitters. If these neurotransmitters and the chemical transporters where the signals are carried become damaged, loss of mental agility may occur. The more we age, the more of these cells become damaged. This is one reason for the loss of cognitive skills.

Loss of brain cells which also occurs normally may also be a reason for degrading cognitive skills but scientists have put more weight in loss of communication between brain cells.

Nutrition connection

Scientists believe that oxidative stress plays a major role in damages done to brain cell communication. The food we eat, especially those rich in antioxidants, can help protect our brain cells from oxidative damage.

The antioxidant capacity of food is measured in ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity).

With lesser damage, our cognitive cells may be in top shape even as we grow older. That equates to a more productive life.

Research

So far, researches have been done in mice. Eight weeks of a mice's lifespan is equivalent to ten years in humans making the results to be observed and examined in a shorter period of time.

Mice fed with antioxidant rich foods far exceeded the mice fed with normal diet in terms of their cognitive abilities.

Hopefully, the results of their studies will also apply to humans.

What foods contain high in antioxidants?

Fruits and vegetables of course. The general guide is - the darker the fruit color, the more antioxidants it contain. Some of these are acai, blueberries, black currant, grapes, watermelon, etc.

To slow down the degradation of our cognitive abilities, we need an antioxidant rich diet - that is if the mice study can be applied to humans.

Maintaining our cognitive abilities could help us meet life's challenges more efficiently.

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