the Ultimate Antioxidant Products |
The emerging world of antioxidants
What are antioxidants? Antioxidants are molecules which prevent the damaging effects of oxygen free radicals in the body. The damage caused by oxygen free radicals is called oxidation. Examples of oxidation are bananas turning brown when left on the countertop, or the rusting of iron.
Less than 10% of Americans are consuming the necessary fruits and vegetables recommended by the USDA to obtain the necessary antioxidants that their bodies need to fight off the damaging effects of free radicals.
How are antioxidants measured?
The antioxidants in any food are measured by its capacity to absorb free radicals. ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values as determined by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture measure the capacity of a food to absorb oxygen free radicals. The USDA web site recommends a Daily Antioxidant Intake Range of 3,000 to 5,000 ORAC. However, recent studies have suggested that more active lifestyles require higher levels of antioxidants. The adjacent chart contains the ORAC values of several high-antioxidant foods. Research now indicates that if wee obtain on a daily basis at least 5,000 ORAC our bodies in most cases will be able to fight off the damaging effects of free radicals.
Chocolate Power Cacao, or Chocolate, originated with the Olmec Indians in 1500 BC. Mayans and Aztecs used cacao in a royal chocolate drink called Xocolatl. Xocolatl progressed to a favorite beverage of the European elite. "The divine drink builds up resistance and fights fatigue. A cup of this precious drink (cacao) permits a man to walk for a whole day without food." Montezuma II. From antiquity to the present, chocolate has been one of the most beloved products, and for more than 90% of its history chocolate has been consumed as a beverage. Although many health benefits have been attributed to chocolate during its 3,500-year history, the full extent of its contributions to human health is only now being brought to light through modern technology and research. Cacao beans contain over 300 chemically identifiable compounds making it one of the most complex food substances on Earth. The shocking good news is that unprocessed raw cacao is packed with potent antioxidants called flavonoids. Research has demonstrated that flavonoids play an important role in protecting the cacao plant. Further research has concluded that these same natural protective compounds in cacao beans, when consumed by humans, improves health by protecting cells from the damaging effects of free radicals.
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Acai Berry
Acai (ah-sigh-ee) is a high-energy super antioxidant berry harvested on co-op farms from a special Amazon palm tree.
Acai berries contain amino acids, essential fatty acids (Omega 6 and 9) and higher amounts of antioxidants than any other fruit. The acai berry has over 14 times more antioxidants than raw spinach and 10 to 30 times more anthocyanins than red wine.
