Power of Natural Antioxidants

In the quest for health and longevity, antioxidants have been thrust into the limelight. These powerful substances, which are found in a wide variety of foods, are believed to play a crucial role in safeguarding our bodies against harmful substances known as free radicals. This article delves into the world of natural antioxidants, what they are, and where to find them.

Understanding Antioxidants

Antioxidants are compounds that help protect the body from oxidative stress, a process that occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body's ability to counteract their harmful effects. They do this by neutralizing free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and contribute to aging and diseases.

Exogenous antioxidants, a type of antioxidant obtained from our diet, include vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, carotenoids, lycopene, coenzyme Q-10, and lipoic acid. These are predominantly present in plant-based foods, with a particularly high concentration found in dark-colored fruits like berries.

The ORAC Scale and Antioxidant Power

To help quantify the antioxidant power of various foods, a scale known as the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) was developed. This scale assigns higher values to foods with greater antioxidant powers.

Here's a snapshot of how some common foods fare on the ORAC scale:

• Cucumbers: 36 units
• Tomatoes: 116 units
• Apricots: 172 units
• Raw spinach: 182 units
• Melon (three slices): 197 units
• Pear: 222 units
• Banana: 223 units
• Apple: 301 units
• Eggplant: 326 units
• White grapes (one bunch): 357 units
• Black raisins (one tablespoon): 396 units
• Cooked cauliflower (one cup): 400 units
• Cooked green beans (one cup): 404 units
• Kiwi: 458 units
• Pepper: 529 units
• Black grapes (one bunch): 569 units
• Avocado: 571 units
• Roasted potato: 575 units
• Orange: 983 units
• Orange juice (one glass): 1142 units
• Strawberries (one cup): 1170 units
• Pink grapefruit: 1188 units
• Cooked Brussels Sprouts (one cup): 1384 units
• Cooked beetroot (one cup): 1782 units
• Cooked spinach (one cup): 2042 units
• Blueberries (one cup): 3480 units
• Black Grape Juice (one glass): 5216 units

Beyond Antioxidant Power

While the ORAC scale was initially used as a measure of antioxidant power, it has since been removed from official use due to a lack of clinical data supporting its effectiveness in vivo (in the body), as well as the absence of sufficient evidence attributing the beneficial effects of polyphenol-rich foods to their antioxidant properties.

Today, it's understood that antioxidant molecules derived from food have a wide range of functions, many of which are unrelated to their ability to absorb free radicals. Their positive impact on health appears to derive from mechanisms of action independent of their antioxidant power.

In conclusion, while the antioxidant power of foods is an important aspect to consider, it's not the only measure of their health benefits. A diet rich in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other plant-based foods can provide a broad range of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that contribute to overall health and well-being.

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