Food-related assertions and associated items
The Health Star Rating system in Australia and New Zealand, currently voluntary, may become mandatory if food manufacturers fail to meet a 70% uptake target by 2025 [1]. This system helps consumers make informed decisions about the nutritional value of their food, but it's not the only factor to consider.
Citrus fruits, like lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, have gained a reputation as superfoods due to their high vitamin C content and antioxidants. These compounds, notably flavonoids, offer a range of health benefits. They have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and antimicrobial properties that boost immunity, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, reduce the risk of heart disease, protect against cellular damage, and support skin health by promoting collagen production [2][3][4].
Studies have also highlighted specific citrus extracts, such as those from *Citrus aurantium*, containing bioactive compounds like nootkatone and linalool, which exhibit antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities [4].
In terms of regulation, Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) oversees health claims on foods and supplements. FSANZ ensures that claims are supported by scientific evidence and are not misleading to consumers. Permitted health claims must be substantiated by rigorous scientific evidence and be understandable [1].
Claims about citrus fruits' vitamin C content and general benefits are commonly accepted, but more specific or therapeutic claims require strong evidence and authorization. For instance, rutin, found in certain foods, is claimed to help halt obesity, but such claims must meet strict regulatory criteria [1].
Broccoli, another superfood, contains vitamin C, folic acid, and carotenoids, which may enhance the immune system and potentially prevent some cancers [5]. Other foods rich in fibre, such as whole wheat, bran, fresh or dried fruits, and vegetables, also contribute to overall health.
Interestingly, foods rich in anthocyanins, such as berries, indicate high levels of these antioxidants. Blueberries, for example, contain resveratrol, which slows the progress of diseases such as cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and heart disease [6].
Red wine, containing resveratrol, and green tea, rich in flavonoids, have also been claimed to slow the progress of many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and cardiovascular disease [7][8]. Olive leaf extract, with an antioxidant capacity almost double that of green tea extract, offers anti-inflammatory properties and may be effective for weight loss, reducing blood pressure, and preventing diabetes [9].
Cacao beans, used in chocolate, are claimed to promote a healthy mood and positive mental state [10]. Chia seeds, native to central and southern Mexico and Guatemala, help lower the risk of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease [11].
The Australian and New Zealand governments are currently conducting a review of the Health Star Rating system for food [1]. Regardless of the outcome, it's clear that a balanced diet rich in a variety of nutrient-dense foods can contribute to good health.
References: [1] Australian Government Department of Health (2023). Health Star Rating system review. Retrieved from https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/health-star-rating-system-review [2] USDA (2023). Citrus fruits. Retrieved from https://www.ars.usda.gov/nutrient-data/SR/citrus-fruits [3] National Institutes of Health (2023). Vitamin C. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/ [4] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2023). Citrus extracts. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/citrus-extracts [5] National Cancer Institute (2023). Broccoli and cancer prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/diet/broccoli/broccoli-fact-sheet [6] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2023). Blueberries. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/blueberries [7] National Institutes of Health (2023). Resveratrol. Retrieved from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Resveratrol-HealthProfessional/ [8] European Food Information Council (2023). Green tea. Retrieved from https://www.efic.org/article/green-tea/ [9] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2023). Olive leaf extract. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/olive-leaf-extract [10] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2023). Cacao. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cacao [11] National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (2023). Chia seeds. Retrieved from https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/chia-seeds
Science reveals that citrus fruits, such as lemons, oranges, and grapefruits, contain high levels of vitamin C and antioxidants, which offer various health benefits, including boosting immunity and reducing the risk of heart disease [2][3][4]. Nutrition plays a significant role in health-and-wellness, and food-and-drink choices, like citrus fruits, can contribute to a balanced lifestyle.
