ORAC index (free radical absorption capacity)¹ allows to assess the antioxidant capacity of a food. This means that the food acts against the free radicals produced by the body by absorbing them. Free radicals are harmful substances generated by the body that damage cells, and lead to premature aging and the development of certain diseases. Thus, the role of antioxidants is to fight against the oxidation caused by these free radicals. Vitamin C is found among the list of antioxidants², vitamin E³ (which regenerates cells), zinc⁴, omega-3s (which help fight diabetes⁵), polyphenols⁶, selenium⁷ and beta carotene⁸. It is not complicated to find them: they are present in most fruits (red fruits, grapes, apples) and vegetables (artichoke, red beans, spinach, pepper), cereals (bran, whole grains), meats (calf’s liver) and fish (salmon, tuna).

How to assess the antioxidant potential of a food?

The ORAC index is developed according to the test of the same name. It is usually expressed in units per 100 grams¹. The higher the index, the greater the antioxidant potential of the food. It is advisable to consume between 3 and 000 ORAC units per day. To do this, you just need to include fresh and colorful products in your diet. The test developed by two American scientists made it possible to establish a list of foods with the highest ORAC index, and therefore the richest in antioxidants.¹. Here is a selection:

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