Ask Dr. Gourmet

What is the ORAC value of a cup of coffee?

I am trying to include in my diet as many fruits and vegetables with high ORAC value, as well as green tea, and coffee. I have a chart that shows the value of most items mentioned, except coffee. What is the ORAC value of a cup of coffee?

Dr. Gourmet Says...

Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) is a way of measuring the amounts of antioxidants in foods. The ORAC value for coffee is in the 15,000 to 17,000 range. Coffee is felt to have one of the highest levels of antioxidants of any food (although by weight some spices do have more antioxidants). There is some variation depending on the type of coffee bean, as well as how the coffee is brewed, but there's no doubt that it's good for you.

Thanks for writing,

Timothy S. Harlan, MD, FACP, CCMS
Dr. Gourmet