Free radicals that are a leading factor in degenerative diseases and aging that strike every cell in our bodies on the order of 10,000 times every day. These diseases include cancer, artheroschlerosis, and diabetes. There is good news for seniors who are concerned with finding information on preemptive steps that they can take to defend themselves against the multiple diseases of aging. The good news is that most berries or fruits provide high antioxidant values, in order to defeat the free radicals that attack the cells of our bodies. The antioxidant potency of berries is determined by a measurement of the ‘oxygen radical absorbance capacity’ or ORAC. The ORAC value of any berry or fruit tells you how effective it is at neutralizing free radicals that are known as ‘reactive oxygen species’ or ROS.
The list of berries with high ORAC values includes many popular ones, such as blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries. Recently a berry from Central and South America has been measured to have the highest ORAC value of any berry or fruit. The Acai berry has an ORAC value more than five times larger that blueberry which has one of the highest ORAC values among berries and fruit. Consuming these berries will contribute to neutralizing the effects of free radicals in seniors and positively help to promote the desired preemptive anti-aging effects against the multiple diseases of aging. By adding these berries to their diet seniors will be promoting their cardiovascular health.