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Antioxidant Power

The Power of Antioxidants


ORAC* stands for “Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity”.   This rating* is established by a laboratory test that attempts to quantify the total antioxidant capacity of a food by placing a sample of the food in a test tube, along with certain molecules known to generate free radical activity and certain other molecules that are vulnerable to oxidation.


After a period of time, they measure how well the food protected the vulnerable molecules from oxidation.  The less free radical damage there is, the higher the ORAC score.


Free radicals are atoms, molecules, or ions that contain an unpaired electron.  In a process called oxidation, free radicals steal electrons from other molecules altering the structure of the molecule, which can set off a chain reaction damaging the DNA of that molecule.  Over time, damage accumulates and contributes to aging and a variety of degenerative diseases.


Antioxidants halt unstable free radical activity, by accepting or donating an electron making them stable, without becoming unstable themselves.


Some antioxidants bind to cells providing enhanced protection against free radical damage.


fruits and vegetables


It's important to note that free radicals are a normal part of the chemical reactions that take place in the body.   A healthy lifestyle, including a diet high in antioxidant rich foods, is important to prevent
excess free radical damage.  Stress, pollutants, pesticides, deep fried foods, and excess alcohol consumption are just some of the conditions that result in inflammation and high free radical activity.  


A diet and supplement protocol that is high in antioxidants is the best defense against aging, inflammation, and disease.


*ORAC ratings are no longer considered valid by the scientific community as results in a test tube might not reflect effects on human cells.  It is still a good indicator of potential benefits


Herb/Supplement ORAC
Astaxanthin 2,822,200
Ground Clove 290,283
Rosemary, dried 165,280
Thyme, dried 157,380
Cinnamon, ground 131,420
Black Cohosh 122,400
Sage, dried 119,929
Licorice Root 102,945
Allspice, ground 100,400
Parsley, dried 73,670
Nutmeg, ground 69,640
Basil 61,063
Triphala 706,250
Oregano, dried 175,295
Peppermint, dried 160,820
Chaga Mushroom 146,700
Turmeric, ground 127,068
Vanilla Bean 122,400
Grapeseed Extract 108,130
Acai Berry 102,700
Rose Hips 96,150
Gotu Kola 69,978
Green Tea 62,714


Colourful fruits and vegetables are a source of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids and carotenoids - antioxidants that fight free radical damage and increase cellular integrity.


Avocados, raw seeds and nuts, and their oils are a good source of antioxidant vitamin E which protects the cardiovascular system and keeps skin looking great!


Concentrated forms of antioxidants are available in supplement form such as astaxanthin, grapeseed extract, resveratrol, pine bark extract, lycopene, and alpha lipoic acid.


*Revised February 2023


Jo Anne's Place Staff

We have been supporting the wellness of our communities since 1976.


Our highly trained staff are here to help. Our Product Educators have vast knowledge and experience with the products we carry in our stores - whether they take them themselves, have taken brand training, or have received feedback from customers. 


Please visit one of our stores to chat with them about we can help support you and get you feeling your best!

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