Free radical damage happens as cells turn over and create waste; it is accelerated when the body is under stress, or in the presence of toxic substances. This simple fact is one of the leading theories on aging and cancer, but we can help the body by providing it with foods high in antioxidants. Think of it as arming every cell with high-quality swords, ammunition and maps.
High ORAC foods Fight Free Radical Damage
High ORAC foods are believed to fight free radical damage. The antioxidant power of foods is assessed by ORAC value, or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity, which is established by the renowned U.S. National Institute on Aging in the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
ORAC Values
The website www.oracvalues.com lists all the foods that have been tested and their values.
High-ORAC-Value Foods List
There is some pretty weird stuff at the top of this list such as sumac bran.
Unless you are lost in the forest or starving when you have a flat tire on the side of a northern road, I doubt you are picking sumac and eating it. You could! And you can certainly find it dried as a spice in Middle Eastern shops or high end food purveyors. But there is an easier way.
Take a Look at Your Spices
The useful stuff at the top of the ORAC list is some of the smallest, most obvious items in your pantry: spices.
Foods at the Top of the List
Find as many ways as you can to increase your use of these at the very top this list. Or, simply click through for a recipe.
This article was written by Theresa Albert. You’ve probably seen her talking in Toronto, or on TV, or in a post on The Huffington Post Canada. Check out her site by clicking here.
What other high ORAC foods do you consume? How do you use the items above to get your ORAC dose in? Eating high ORAC foods can have a big impact on your health so share the wisdom using the Facebook and Twitter links below.
