Les isoflavones du soja dans la filière aliment santé

Abstract

Health promoting activities of isoflavones have been observed by many authors. These activities are potentially able to prevent the development of cardiovascular diseases, hormonodependant cancers and menopausal diseases. Several animal studies have, however, reported adverse influences on reproductive development and fertility. Differences of bio-availability and metabolism are observed among individuals and among soybean isoflavones. Twelve isoflavones have been isolated in soybean seeds and soyfoods. Moreover, several factors influence the content and the composition of these health compounds in raw material. Transformation processes, also, affect isoflavone content and/or composition in soybean foods. © John Libbey Eurotext 2000.