Berries High in Antioxidants
Free radicals undergo oxidative processes that may contribute to degenerative conditions and diseases that occur with age. Antioxidants may suppress the effects of free radical toxins. The National Institute on Aging, along with the National Institutes of Health, developed a scoring method to index the antioxidant capacities of individual foods.
Elderberries
According to Drugs.com, elderberries have been used to treat cancer, while distilled elder flower water and extracts help add flavor to alcoholic beverages such as elderberry wine. The test sample of raw elderberries evaluated by the National Institute on Aging earned an ORAC score of 14,697.
Cranberries
American Indians used cranberries to treat bladder and kidney illnesses. Cranberries contain the antioxidant lutein as well as the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. These berries have been used to prevent scurvy and to treat blood poisoning. According to Drugs.com, cranberries may help prevent or reduce the incidence of urinary tract infections. A test sample of raw cranberries has an ORAC value of 9,584.
Chokeberry
The antioxidant properties in chokeberries derive from a dense supply of phenolic phytochemicals. According to the ORAC Values website, raw chokeberries contain some of the highest concentrations of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin phytochemicals of any plant. The ORAC value for a test sample of raw chokeberries is 16,062.
Raw Chokeberry
The antioxidant properties in chokeberries derive from a dense supply of phenolic phytochemicals. According to ORACValues.com, raw chokeberries contain some of the highest concentrations of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin phytochemicals among plants. The ORAC value for a test sample of raw chokeberries is 16,062.
Maqui Berry
Maqui berries grow natively in South American Patagonia. Some wine producers use Maqui berry extracts to add pigment to wines. The Maqui Berry Labs website states that maqui berries are among the richest sources of Food additives antioxidants found in fruits. Maqui berry powder is ground from the maqui berry fruit. A laboratory sample of concentrated maqui berry powder earns an ORAC score that ranges between 75,000 and 92,000.
Açaí Berry
This Central and South American berry is the fruit of the açaí palm tree. According to ORACValues.com, açaí berries effectively suppress peroxyl and peroxynitrite free radical toxins in your body. HealthNews18.com reports that açaí berries may promote weight loss and support healthy skin and brain functioning.