ORAC Values

ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) values are a measure of the antioxidant activity. Specifically, it measures the degree and length of time it takes to inhibit the action of an oxidizing agent. When tested for ORAC value, Oregon caneberries showed high levels which gives them an important antioxidant distinction. Antioxidants inhibit oxidation which is known to have a damaging effect on tissues. Studies now suggest that consuming fruits and vegetables with a high ORAC value may slow the aging process in both body and brain. Antioxidants are shown to work best when combined; the presence of fiber and other plant compounds enhance the health benefit. For this reason, a nutraceutical source is a more viable antioxidant option than that of a dietary supplement.

All testing performed at the Brunswick Laboratories, Wareham, MA

The ORACfl (umoleTE/g) analysis, which utilizes Fluorescein as the fluorescent probe, provides a measure of the scavenging capacity of antioxidants against the peroxyl radical, which is one of the most common reactive oxygen species (ROS) found in the body.

Trolox, a water-soluable Vitamin E analog, is used as the calibration standard and the ORAC result is expressed as micromole Trolox equivalent(TE) per gram.