Isoflavones compounds health benefits

The mucosa of the GIT represents an interface between the external and internal environments. The expansive surface area is necessary for the efficient hydrolysis of foodstuffs and the absorption of energy and nutrients. The mucosa also influences the systemic availability of non-nutrient compounds in the diet, both beneficial and detrimental. Digestion and absorption of glucosinolates are critical determinants of health benefits (see Chapter 4) Similarly, the bioavailability and health benefits of phytoestrogens, such as genistein (see Chapters 5 and 10) are at least partly dependent on the carrier-mediated processes of absorption associated with the GIT (Oitate et al, 2001). Moreover, the metabolic activities of the mucosa can influence the systemic concentrations and forms of dietary phytochemicals, as exemplified by research with soy isoflavones (Andlauer et al., 2000). 

One concern raised about isoflavones, coumestanes, and stilbenes is that they have estrogenic activities. Indeed, some of the health benefit claims for these compounds... 

Three major classes of secondary metabolites are involved in these phytochemicals, which are alkaloids, terpenes, and phenoUcs [16]. There are many phytochemicals recognized with health benefits such as sulfur-containing compounds of garlic family, various terpenoids, and polyphenols (anthocyanins, flavones, flavanols, isoflavones, stilbenes, ellagic acid, etc.). 

Feedsmffs like legumes contain several compounds that have been traditionally considered antinutrients, such as protease inhibitors, phytate, saponins, plant sterols and isoflavones. However, recent information suggests that most of these compounds may acmaUy benefit the consumer s/ animal s health. Legumes (pulses and soybeans) are excellent foods to increase dietary fibre consumption besides providing starch, vegetable protein, oligosaccharides, phytochemicals (especially the isoflavones in... 

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