## 6 Conclusions and Future Trends  
Date seeds have a long history of use. In Europe, the first records of date seeds being used as coffee date back to the 19 th century. Date seeds make up about 10-15% of the total fruit weight and are mainly composed of carbohydrates. Dates are high in fiber and low in sugar content, with a fat and protein content of around 5 to 10%. The fatty acids in date seeds have good oxidative stability and a high content of unsaturated acids. The composition of date seeds can be influenced by the agroclimatic conditions, cultivar, and food processing techniques, such as heating and roasting, which can also affect the mineral content. It is important to monitor metals that can be absorbed via the water supply. However, based on the analyzed data, it is unlikely that there will be an exceedance of daily intake levels or adverse health effects from consuming date seed coffee. Date seeds are rich in phenols and flavonoids, as well as vitamin E and carotenoids. Several studies have confirmed that date seeds do not contain caffeine. The high concentration of beneficial ingredients and their antioxidant effects make them a valuable ingredient for food production. Myotoxins have been found to contaminate fruits, and manufacturing processes can influence their levels. Although date seeds are less contaminated than its pulp, it is essential to monitor and limit the risk of exposure. It is known that mycotoxins have a genotoxic effect on organisms. To assess date seed coffee, the regulatory maximum levels for ochratoxin A (3.0 mg/kg) defined for coffee beans can be used, as exposure levels to both beverages are expected to be similar. Heat degradation products were detected in roasted date seeds. The content measured in date seeds is lower than that in _C. arabica_ coffee beans. Compared to the existing benchmark value for coffee beans, no health risk is expected with moderate consumption. Optimum roasting results can be achieved by maintaining a heat of 200 \({}^{\circ}\)C for about 20 min. Date seed coffee can be consumed pure or mixed with spices or _C. arabica_ coffee. Several techniques can be used to prepare coffee beverages. The absence of caffeine can be seen as an advantage for certain target groups. Meaningful studies have already been carried out regarding toxicological data. Acute toxicity has been determined, and two studies provided insight into the toxicity effects and mortality after 24 h (to 72 h). An LD\({}_{50}\) for mice was also determined. Both values exceed the reference values for _C. arabica_ coffee, indicating a low acute risk for date seed coffee. Subchronic and chronic toxicological data, mainly tested in rodents, as well as data from a human study with 55 participants, are available. The tested dose rates cover a possible daily intake of three average cups of coffee and the required amount of date seed coffee powder. No negative effects were reported. No adverse changes were observed in the organ metabolism or histological examination of the respective organs. Rodent and human studies have shown improved blood lipid values after repeated consumption of date seed extracts. However, there are no available studies on inhalation or dermal toxicity, only oral data. Additionally, testing on the cell lines MRC-5, MCF-7, and HCT-116 did not reveal any cytotoxic effects. In conclusion, there is room for further investigation. While several animal studies have provided a good overview of subchronic toxicity, only one human study is available. The test group was limited to female volunteers, but the duration was at least 90 days or even longer, and information on blood chemistry and inflammatory markers was provided throughout. However, the available animal studies do not meet all OECD criteria, but no adverse effects on animal health were reported. The studies tested the health effects after the consumption of date seed fiber and date seed extract, which would be related to the consumption of coffee beverages. No cytotoxic effects were reported.