What is an ORAC SCORE?

Do you know what ORAC stands for or what it means when a food has a high ORAC score? First, ORAC stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. ORAC units are measured per 100 grams (about 3 ½ ounces). This is the measurement of antioxidants in a certain food. That may still sound confusing, so let’s get to the significance. According to Troikaa Nutrasciences, “The power and strength of an antioxidant product is measured with a value which is known as ORAC. It is the unit which measures the capability of an antioxidant to neutralize the Free Radicals. Higher the ORAC value, stronger is the Antioxidant capacity of a particular antioxidant or food.”
Free radicals come from certain environmental factors. Mayo Clinic describes them as the molecules produced when you're exposed to tobacco smoke, air pollutants, certain chemicals or radiation and that they may contribute to certain heart diseases, cancers, diabetes and other diseases. When the body cannot process, properly break down or remove these free radicals, oxidative stress can result. This is how it contributes to certain diseases and illnesses. In some cases it could possibly lead to the “breakdown of cell tissue, DNA damage, hypertension, strokes and inflammation,” (Web MD).

Does a higher ORAC SCORE define a healthier product?

There are several health benefits one can receive by consuming foods and beverages with high ORAC values other than the fact that it helps prevent certain conditions. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, their studies have proved that consuming high ORAC value foods may “raise the antioxidant power of human blood 10 to 25 percent, prevent some loss of long-term memory and learning ability in middle-aged rats (see study on their website), maintain the ability of brain cells in middle-aged rats to respond to a chemical stimulus--a function that normally decreases with age and Protect rats' tiny blood vessels--capillaries--against oxygen damage.”

Let’s compare some fruits and vegetables regarding their ORAC value. This is straight from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website which is linked above. It can be interesting to see exactly which specific foods contain the most antioxidants and help detox your system of harmful components. According to this chart, prunes, raisins, strawberries and kale have the highest ORAC score compared to the other everyday fruits and vegetables. As you might expect, high scores were awarded to the brightly colored fruits and vegetables.

According to this chart, prunes, blueberries, strawberries, and blackberries have the highest ORAC score compared to the other everyday fruits and vegetables. As you might expect, high scores were awarded to the brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Interestingly, many fruits and vegetables boasting these high ORAC values are predominantly found in the Amazon rainforest region of South America. The unique soil in this area is rich in Fulvic acid, a natural organic substance that enhances their ability to neutralize free radicals. This regional characteristic not only contributes to the vivid hues but also to the potent antioxidant capacities of these superfoods.

What is the Orac Score of the Avocado Leaf?

Avocado leaves are a revolutionary new ingredient that is extraordinarily high in healthy antioxidants. On June 1, 2022  Applied Consumer Services, Inc  released the ORAC SCORE of the avocado leaves used in Avocado leaf Tea. The total ORAC SCORE for the Avocado Leaf is 42,387 - putting the leaf in the top 40 highest ORAC scored ingredients on record. In comparison, the Avocado Fruit has an ORAC SCORE of 1,983 which is confirmation that the leaf provides 20X the antioxidant power of the avocado.

Avocado Tea Co. provides a natural, healthy and nutrient rich functional tea made from avocado leaves that are handpicked in Southern California. The high ORAC value of the tea will help to protect your body against harmful free radicals and may help slow the processes associated with aging in both body and brain.

Why is it recommended to use healthy organic soil for optimal ORAC score?

Organic foods and those cultivated directly in soil, particularly in nutrient-rich environments like the Amazon rainforest, are highly recommended for their superior antioxidant content. The soil in this region is uniquely abundant in Fulvic acid, a natural organic compound that significantly enhances the nutritional profile of fruits and vegetables grown in it. Fulvic acid is packed with a range of beneficial substances including hormones, vitamins, flavonoids, ketones, and minerals. Plants grown in such soil absorb these compounds, which in turn can help to increase their antioxidant properties. Antioxidants are crucial for combating free radicals in the body, making these organically grown fruits and vegetables particularly effective in promoting health and preventing oxidative stress-related diseases.