Food Safety and Regulatory Measures

Biography

Biography: Eulogio J. Llorent-Martínez

Abstract

In recent years, consumer’s interest about the health benefits of different exotic berry-type fruits (and their corresponding juices, capsules, etc) has rapidly increased. The most extensively consumed berry-type products (commonly called superfoods) in Spain are derived from goji, pomegranate, chia, açaí, and mangosteen. All these fruits support the immune system and are nutrient dense. In general, they have a remarkable concentration of antioxidants, monounsaturated fats, dietary fibre, phytosterols, essential amino acids, and vitamins. Although these supplements are claimed to present high levels of minerals, there are not enough scientific data to support this statement. In addition, the absence of enough data regarding the levels of toxic trace elements may represent a risk to the consumer. During the research here presented, 26 elements were quantified, and the obtained data critically discussed from the point of view of health benefits and potential risks due to the presence of toxic substances.