Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Some comments on Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) by Dr Frank Lipman


The following is extracted from


The ORAC scores actually measure only one type of antioxidant activity — the reactive oxygen species (or ROS, in short) that functions in the water-based compartments of the body. Along with many other water-soluble antioxidants, there are fat-soluble antioxidants as well. 

For example, the carotenoid family of antioxidants includes beta-carotene, lycopene, luctein, canthaxanthin, and zeaxanthin, but these fat-soluble substances are not measured in the ORAC test. 

In addition, the ORAC measurements are done in a test tube which is very different from the complex, constantly changing biochemistry of a living body. Even though ORAC has shortcomings, it is still a useful tool. 

Some experts have suggested that people should consume about 5,000 ORAC units a day for maximum health benefits.

Based on what you eat every day, what is your ORAC score?

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