Isoflavone Ingestion By Multiethnic Populations: Implications For Health

Consumption of isoflavones is often associated with prevention of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, as well as alleviation of post-menopausal syndrome. Soybean is the principal dietary source of isoflavones, which varies in content depending on species, growing condition, harvesting period and food processing/cooking methods. The amount of isoflavone ingested by an individual can vary with diet style, age, sex and health awareness. This Chapter aims to review the isoflavone ingestion by multiethnic populations and its implication on health.