Antioxidants

The main table is based on the ORAC values published by the USDA in 2010. ORAC (oxygen radical absorbance capacity) is an in vitro assessment of antioxidant capacity.

The ORAC values for some 330+ foods were gathered by the USDA and included with other nutrient values in their primary food database. The values were based on an in vitro sample of 100 grams. While 100 grams is convenient for a standardized assay, it fails as a convenient measure for common sense consumption. One may very well consume 100 g of blueberries or strawberries, but not ground cinnamon. To date ORAC values for standardized portions is not readily available.

The Antioxidants app addresses this problem. ORAC values were recalibrated based on standardized serving sizes for 50 common menu items. A 4 ounce serving of blueberries is standard as is a 1 teaspoon serving cinnamon or a 4.5 ounce serving of red wine. The consumer is able compare apples to apples rather than apples to oranges when looking at ORAC values.