The whole world talks about antioxidants and free radicals – and thus also about the so-called ORAC value (Oxygen Radical Absorption Capacity = ability to capture oxygen radicals). But what exactly is the ORAC value and what does it mean in relation to our food?
In recent decades, oxidative stress (stress caused by free radicals) has been recognized as a factor in the development of a number of chronic diseases. Antioxidants, which are able to neutralize or eliminate oxygen radicals, quickly became the focus of research. In the course of these investigations, the need arose for a technique capable of measuring the antioxidant capacity of a food. This led to the original ORAC. Brunswick Laboratories became the world's only lab able to perform such a standardized ORAC test, making the ORAC values of various products comparable. Since its inception, the ORAC test has enjoyed great popularity in the food and dietary supplement industry.
Recently, Dr. Ronald Prior, former USDA scientist (United States Department of Agriculture) and pioneer in antioxidant research, established in an article the connection between antioxidants, oxidative stress, and health. The article presented an overview of several studies showing that consuming antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables leads to an increase in the body's antioxidant capacity. Included were several studies demonstrating a link between increased antioxidant intake through food and a reduced risk of some common diseases.
Based on previous study results, the authors estimated the average oral intake of ORAC for a person eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day at 4360 ORAC units, and 8600 ORAC units for those consuming 10 servings of fruits and vegetables. Finally, they noted that to reduce the risk of various diseases, ORAC intakes of at least 12,000 units or more are needed. This means a person would need to consume about 7 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables to reach the necessary ORAC value.
By the way, 1 serving of vabon essentials has an ORAC value (6.0) of 43,000 (serving = 33ml) and vabon fierce has a value of 48,000 per serving (250ml).
