Antioxidants

Blackberries and Blueberries have the highest levels of antioxidants. Do you know how antioxidant rich foods are rated? 

By their Oxygen Radical Absorbance 

Capacity (ORAC)

ORAC values are a measure of the antioxidant activity.  It measures the degree and length of time it takes to inhibit the action of an oxidizing agent. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation which is known to have a damaging effect on tissues. Studies now suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables with a high ORAC value may slow down the aging process in both the body and brain. 

Single servings of fresh fruits and vegetables supply an average of 600-800 ORAC units. Scientists believe that increasing intake of foods that provide 2000-5000 units per day may be needed to increase serum and tissue antioxidant activity sufficiently to improve health outcomes.  

Cancer and Heart Disease are oxidative diseases so increasing your intake to the recommended units will help prevent these diseases.