Tea and herbal infusions consumption in Portugal: consumer behaviors

Authors

  • A. C. Sousa TOXRUN – Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
  • C. Ribeiro TOXRUN – Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
  • V. M. F. Gonçalves TOXRUN – Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; UNIPRO – Oral Pathology and Rehabilitation Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences (IUCS), CESPU, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal
  • I. Pádua TOXRUN – Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
  • S. Leal TOXRUN – Toxicology Research Unit, University Institute of Health Sciences, CESPU, CRL, 4585-116 Gandra, Portugal; CINTESIS@RISE, MEDCIDS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48797/sl.2023.31

Keywords:

Poster

Abstract

Background: Tea and herbal infusions (THIs) consumption is recognized for its beneficial effects, which are attributed to the antioxidant properties of phenolic compounds [1–3].The wide diversity of THIs available in market and the absence or failure in quality control can expose the population to health risks [3]. Moreover, uncontrolled consumption may cause toxicity or lack of the expected benefits. Therefore, an understanding of the THIs consumption and consumer habits will allow adjustments in risk-benefit assessment for vulnerable population. Objective: The main aim was to understand THI consumption in Portugal. Methods: A web-based survey was developed and applied (January-February 2023), using Google forms® platform, after the Ethical Committee approval. Sociodemographic data, type of THIs consumed and brewing were collected. Descriptive statistics was performed using JASP 0.16.1.0. Results: A total of 720 participants completed the online survey, of which 47.2% declared drinking THIs ³2 cups/week (medium consumers) and 17.8% consumed ³2 cups/day (heavy consumers). In the latter, the majority were female (87.5%), of which 51.8% aged 40-60 years. In heavy THI consumers group, 10% were older than 61 years. Among the heavy and medium consumers, herbal Infusions, such as citronella (42.1%) and chamomile (35.7%), were most popular than green tea consumption (22.3%). For THI preparation, mostly of these consumers reported the use of tap water (82%) and bags (56%), but 41% reported the use either bags or leaves. Over 16% of heavy and medium consumers use more product quantity than recommended. Approximately 86% of the heavy and medium consumers indicated that, after boiling, let THIs rest for 5-10 minutes and, 78% removed bag/leave before drinking. Conclusions: Herbal infusions consumption was more frequent than green tea and heavy consumers were mainly older adults. This study contributes with relevant results for future risk–benefit assessments of THIs consumption available in the Portuguese market.

References

1. EFSA Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) et al. Scientific opinion on the safety of green tea catechins. EFSA J 2018, 16, e05239.

2. EFSA Panel on Contaminants in the Food Chain (CONTAM) et al. Risks for human health related to the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in honey, tea, herbal infusions and food supplements. EFSA J 2017, 15, e04908.

3. Assunção, R.; Twarużek, M.; Kosicki, R.; Viegas, C.; Viegas, S. Drinking Green Tea: Despite the Risks Due to Mycotoxins, Is It Possible to Increase the Associated Health Benefits?. Toxins 2021, 13, 119.

Downloads

Published

2023-04-21

How to Cite

Sousa, A. C., Ribeiro, C., Gonçalves, V. M. F., Pádua, I., & Leal, S. (2023). Tea and herbal infusions consumption in Portugal: consumer behaviors. Scientific Letters, 1(Sup 1). https://doi.org/10.48797/sl.2023.31

Issue

Section

Posters

Most read articles by the same author(s)

Similar Articles

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 > >> 

You may also start an advanced similarity search for this article.