Addresses the biosynthesis of polyphenol phytoestrogens in plants, and the chemistry and mechanism of action of phytoestrogens. This work explains the relations of phytoestrogens to pharmacokinetics, body composition, and cell signaling; discusses soy isoflavones; and, looks at the antioxidant features of wine and other phytoestrogens.

With polyphenol research rapidly growing, there remains a surprising lack of clinical and epidemiological evidence of their suggested protective effects as well as persistent questions about their safety. A vital class of polyphenols, phytoestrogens are believed to protect against several forms of cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, osteoporosis, and menopausal symptoms. This pioneering book integrates into a single source all aspects of the outstanding research at the forefront of phytoestrogen study regarding the scientific, technical, and practical aspects of the production, consumption, and safety of these significant, though at times controversial, compounds in food.

"?the first manual that synthesizes current scientific, technical, and practical aspects involved in the production, consumption, and safety of phytoestrogens in foods. ?provides insight on the major questions concerning core areas of polyphenol research. This book makes scientific data accessible to a  general audience of readers?" - Dorothea Bedigian, Economic Botany, Vol. 61, No. 1, 2007