Essential and Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) Content in European Tea (Camellia sinensis) Leaves: Risk Assessment for Consumers.

ABSTRACT: Tea (Camellia sinensis) is the second most consumed beverage worldwide, playing a key role in the human diet. Tea is considered a healthy drink, as its consumption has been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease-related events and death, stroke, metabolic syndrome and obesity. However, several studies have shown that C. sinensis is a hyperaccumulator of Al and other elements that are considered potentially toxic. In the present study, the contents of 15 elements (both essential and toxic) were determined for the first time in tea leaves collected in tea gardens located in six different European countries and processed to provide black and green tea. The results showed that Al was the major toxic element detected, followed by Ni, Cr, Pb, As, Cd, Ag, and Hg. Essential

SUBMITTER: Girolametti F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10179902 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature