As we age our bodies begin to break down. One of the mechanisms of that break down is an increase in something called free radicals. These are molecules that scavenge the body literally breaking chemical bonds in biological structures. Free radicals are highly toxic to the body and are one of the primary contributors to the aging process.

Antioxidants are the natural counterbalance to this internal destruction. Antioxidants are molecules that grab free radicals and turn them off, essentially neutralizing them. Our bodies produce their own internal antioxidants (One example being a molecule called Glutathione which is actually the body’s number one naturally produced antioxidant) but others we get from food. Eating foods and spices high in antioxidants is one of the strongest ways we have of reversing the signs of aging.

The ORAC or Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity score is a unit of measurement for antioxidant content which was originally developed by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Each item is measured in a unit referred to as micromol trolox equivalent per 100 grams (μ mol TE/ 100g) to keep the values standardized across different sizes and weights. The following list includes the top 10 highest ORAC scores for any food or spice ever recorded:

Dragon’s Blood-Dragon’s blood is sap form the Croton lechleri tree has the highest recorded ORAC score to date: 2,897,110 μ mol TE/100g. In comparison black coffee, which is how most Americans get their daily antioxidant dose, only has an ORAC score of 2,780 μ mol TE/100g. Croton lechleri is a species of flowering plant in the Spurge family, Euphorbiaceae, that is native to South America. Dragon’s blood is not readily available as an oral supplement and has been studied mainly in topical skin preparations.
Astaxanthin-Astaxanthin is a phytonutrient from marine microalgae (it is the compound that makes shrimp, lobster and certain fish pink) Astaxanthin has the second highest ORAC score ever recorded at 2,822,200 μ mol TE/100g. Astaxanthin has been shown to have up to 6,000 times the antioxidant power of vitamin C, 800 times that of CoQ10, and 550 times that of vitamin E, according to laboratory testing (1). Wild sockeye salmon has a high amount of Astaxanthin because of the microalgae it consumes in the ocean. Flamingoes (which are actually born white) also turn pink after eating Astaxanthin rich algae. Supplement companies concentrate Astaxanthin and provide it in pill and powder form. It has been studied for its powerful anti-aging and skin rejuvenation effects, boosting collagen and protecting against UV induced free radical damage.
Triphala Powder-Triphala powder also known as triphala churna, is a powder of medicinal herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Triphala powder has an ORAC score of 706,250 μ mol TE/100g. It consists of a blend of three different fruits; amla berries, haritaki, and vibhitaki. Each of these fruits has a high ORAC score on it’s own. When combined together they have a synergistic effect and powerful combined strength.
Coffee Cherry Powder-Coffee cherry powder is powder derived from the fruit of the coffee bean plant. Coffee cherry powder has an ORAC score of 343,900 μ mol TE/100g. Typically the fruit is discarded and the inner bean is what is used to make coffee. Now the fruit is discovering a resurgence of interest as it has powerful antioxidants of its own, far outweighing its delicious bean.
Sumac Bran-Sumac bran is a high-tannin, gluten free, variety of sorghum. Sorghum is a genus of numerous grasses, one variety of which has been cultivated for grain and animal feed around the world since ancient times. Sumac Bran has an ORAC score of 312,400 μ mol TE/100g.
Ground Cloves-Cloves are the aromatic dried flowering buds of a tree in the Myrtaceae family. Cloves are native to the Maluku islands in Indonesia and used as a spice in cuisines all over the world. Ground cloves have an ORAC score of 290,283 μ mol TE/100g.
Indian Gooseberry-Also known as amla berries Indian Gooseberries are light-green colored berries produced by a tree named Phyllanthus emblica native to subtropical South America and Southeast Asia. Not very well known in the west this fruit has the highest antioxidant score of any berry on the planet (It is not however related to Western gooseberries). Indian Gooseberries have an ORAC score of 261,500 μ mol TE/100g.
Oregano-Used as a spice around the world oregano is high in antioxidant activity, due to a high content of phenolic acids and flavonoids. Oregano is also a powerful antimicrobial that has been studied for its ability to fight off intestinal pathogenic microbes like Candida and Ecoli. Oregano has an ORAC score of 175,295 μ mol TE/100g.
Bacopa Powder-Also known as brahmi, Bacopa is an herb used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is also gaining popularity as a powerful nootropic, a remedy that enhances brain function. Most supplement companies sell doses ranging from 100-500mg, a tiny fraction of the 100 grams measured in ORAC scores. Bacopa powder has an ORAC score of 169,800 μ mol TE/100g.
Rosemary-Rosemary is an aromatic evergreen shrub used as a spice in culinary traditions around the world. Rosemary contains a number of biologically active compounds, including the antioxidants carnosic acid and rosmarinic acid. Other bioactive compounds include camphor, caffeic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, and rosmanol. Rosemary has an ORAC score of 165,280 μ mol TE/100g.

Incorporating antioxidants into your health regiment can be an important step towards reducing your total body burden of free radicals. Trying one of these top 10 power antioxidants will definitely provide you with a huge alley in the fight against free radicals. Make sure to consult with your doctor first before trying any new supplements. For more ways you can boost your natural detox abilities download my Free Guide to Detox Fundamentals where I share the Top 9 pillars of Natural Detox everyone should have on board to promote proper detoxification and elimination in the body.

References:

Source: https://www.superfoodly.com/orac-values/

(1) Zhang ZW, Xu XC, Liu T, Yuan S. Mitochondrion-Permeable Antioxidants to Treat ROS-Burst-Mediated Acute Diseases. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2016;2016:6859523. doi: 10.1155/2016/6859523. Epub 2015 Nov 16. PMID: 26649144; PMCID: PMC4663357.