Ningxia Wolfberry (Goji Berry) Best Known Antioxidant Food – 25,300 ORAC 3-5 Oz
What is Ningxia goji berry? Ningxia is a province on the plateau of the West Bend of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia, where people live more than 100 years, 10 to 20 years longer than the average person in the region. Some 17 different varieties of wolfberry have been identified. However, Ningxia goji berry has been shown to possess extraordinary nutrient and antioxidant content to support increased longevity. The Chinese claim that it protects liver function, replenishes vital essences, improves visual acuity, and lowers blood pressure and cholesterol. It is also known to work as an aid to treat diabetes and impotence.
According to the ORAC test, Ningxia Wolfberry (lycium barbarum, also known as Goji Berry) is the highest known antioxidant food, possessing an unmatched ability to absorb free radicals that attack the body and contribute to cancer and aging.
The Ningxia goji berry has an ORAC of 25,300.
The ORAC test is a test to measure the Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity. It was developed by USDA researchers at Tufts University. It is known as one of the most sensitive and reliable methods for measuring the ability of antioxidants to absorb oxygen radicals.
What is a free radical? Well, without going into a total chemistry lesson, let’s remember atoms… Atoms have protons, electrons, and a nucleus. These atoms make up the molecules in the cells of our body. Electrons are usually paired. When they are not, they are attracted to other unpaired electrons. Are you with me so far? And sometimes, the unpaired electron can “steal” other electrons from other molecules, causing a chain reaction. The unpaired electron is known as a free radical. It is free (unpaired) and is acting radically, pairing and stealing from other stable molecules. This action can cause a cascade of free radical activity that causes damage to our cells and tissues.
Well, what is an antioxidant? Antioxidants are the heroes. They act by giving up one of their electrons so that it bonds with the free radical. Antioxidants can do this because they are stable either way. They act as scavengers, helping to prevent cell and tissue damage caused by the “stealing” action of free radicals.
The ORAC test measures the ability of substances (fruits, vegetables, essential oils, spices, etc.) to save the day and bind free radicals.
The strongest antioxidant foods known are:
Ningxia goji berries 25,300 ORAC*
Plums 5,770
Blueberries 2,400
kale 1,770
Strawberries 1,540
Spinach 1,260
Raspberries 1,220
beets 840
oranges 750
*ORAC 3.5 oz.
So while there are different high ORAC foods and drinks, Ningxia Wolfberry stands out for its amazing ability to destroy free radicals. It also has many other benefits that are worth exploring.