ORAC Meaning and
Definition
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ORAC is an acronym that stands for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It is a measurement used to determine the antioxidant capacity or potential of foods, beverages, supplements, and other substances. The term ORAC was coined by scientists at the National Institute on Aging, and it has become widely recognized as a method to assess the total antioxidant activity of a given sample.
Antioxidants play a crucial role in protecting the body against damage caused by free radicals, which are highly reactive molecules. When free radicals accumulate in the body, they can lead to oxidative stress and contribute to various health issues like aging, inflammation, and chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Hence, the ORAC value of a substance is an indication of its ability to neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.
The ORAC assay involves exposing a sample to a specific type of free radical, typically peroxyl radicals, and measuring the sample's ability to neutralize or absorb these radicals. The higher the ORAC value, the greater the substance's antioxidant capacity. The measurement is usually expressed in micromoles of Trolox equivalents per gram (µmol TE/g) or per 100 grams (µmol TE/100g).
Although the ORAC value can provide valuable information about antioxidant potential, it is important to note that it is just one aspect of a substance's overall nutritional profile. It is not the sole determinant of a food or supplement's health-promoting properties, and other factors such as bioavailability and synergy with other compounds also play significant roles.
Common Misspellings for ORAC
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