ORAC

Did you know we need 8,000-11,000 antioxidant units/day (nutritionfacts.org)  to stay out of oxidative debt and combat oxidative stress? You see, common biological processes like digestion, and even exercise, cause the generation of free radicals, and that's where those 8,000-11,000 units of antioxidants come in handy. However, if you smoke, eat meat, get sick, or are sleep-deprived, you're gonna need even more!

What is oxidative stress?

Oxidative stress occurs when there’s an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can damage cells, proteins, and DNA by stealing electrons through a process called oxidation. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by donating electrons, thus preventing cellular damage.

What causes oxidative stress?

Factors like pollution, smoking, excessive sun exposure, and poor diet can increase free radical production, leading to oxidative stress.

What are the effects of oxidative stress?

Prolonged oxidative stress can contribute to aging and the development of chronic diseases like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinsons's disease.

How do you prevent oxidative stress?

Consuming a diet rich in antioxidants (found in fruits, veggies, beans, nuts, and seeds) and maintaining a healthy lifestyle (i.e., not smoking) can help reduce oxidative stress and protect against its harmful effects.

You probably know that the main sources of antioxidants are fruits, vegetables, and legumes, three food groups Americans are severely deficient in--which explains why the average American doesn't get even half the minimum recommended number of antioxidants.

ORAC (oxygen radical absorptive capacity) is a measure of antioxidants--those wonderful micro-nutrients whose job it is to help neutralize free radicals and decrease oxidative stress.

Enter WellBean, whereby you can significantly up your daily ORAC score (maybe even double it, if you're a veggie-phobe) with one delicious, high-fiber, gluten-free, bean-based snack bar. For instance, one almond fudge brownie bar has about 3,900 antioxidant units!

(Well, that might be true, but we still recommend following Dr Greger's Daily Dozen or Dr Fuhrman's nutritarian diet to meet or surpass your antioxidant needs. :-)