ORAC is a new unit of measurement developed by researchers in the USA to measure the health value of certain types of fruit and vegetables.

ORAC stands for "Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity", i.e. the ability to absorb free radicals.

 

Free radicals are oxygen compounds that damage the body's cells. This leads to ageing and disease, and can also cause cancer.

As a general rule, the higher the ORAC value of the food, the better, i.e. the healthier it is. At least 3000 ORAC units per day are recommended.

Here are the most important types of fruit and vegetables with their corresponding ORAC value.

100g oranges ORAC 750

100g broccoli ORAC 890

100g prunes ORAC 5770

100g garlic ORAC 1940

100g kale ORAC 1770

100g sultanas ORAC 2830

100g blueberries ORAC 2036

100g strawberries ORAC 1540

100g raspberries ORAC 1220

100g spinach ORAC 1260

100g kale ORAC 1770