Highest Antioxidant Values

First some explanations about antioxidants.  We have all heard of antioxidants,  and most know that we need to consume them but what exactly are they and why do we need them.  Also, what happens if we don’t have enough antioxidants in our bodies?

Oxidative stress occurs when our bodies produce energy that results in surplus oxygen in our system. These surplus oxygen molecules are called “free radicals,” which can be bad for our health. This is why we need to eat foods with high antioxidant values to counterbalance the free radicals.

As we grow older, free radicals increase because of less efficient metabolism and these free radicals go scavenging.  This damages proteins, lipids, and DNA causing cellular death.  Some feel that you can never have enough antioxidants to totally quench all the free radical activity in the body.

If any antioxidants are harmful, it is the synthetic ones.  It stands to reason then that the best antioxidants we can get are from our food.  Unfortunately this is not always possible because of things like off-season fruits and veggies being difficult to find or very expensive.  Also, most fruits and vegetables lose most of their antioxidant properties the longer they are off the vine.  We get the most benefits from the freshest produce.  Organic produce is generally better because pesticides significantly reduce the antioxidant value of the produce.  Poor farming practices can also reduce the value of our food significantly.  Supplementation is often necessary.

Below are two different tables (both from different US Government backed studies) showing the ORAC antioxidant values for a variety of foods.  ORAC stands for the “Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) levels of food.  ORAC tests are the standard for determining the antioxidant values of food. You will see how different the tables are–the first one being more common foods with lower ORAC values.  Either one, though, will give you a good idea of the best foods and herbs to give your body what it needs.

Look in this table and find the chocolate, dutched power which is much touted in the news as being so good for us in the “dark chocolate” form.  It has a higher ORAC value then any of the foods in the top list!  Love it!