Consumption of Decorticated Pulses Ensures the Optimum Intake of Isoflavones by the Urban Indian Population

Abstract

Sample urban population was assessed for consumption of legumes. Genistein and daidzein content of commonly consumed legumes was evaluated to estimate the isoflavone intake through the consumption of these legumes by selected population. Total genistein content of all legumes considered for analysis was found to be in the range of 0.60 to 8.65 mg per 100 g whereas total daidzein content was found to be in the range of 1.10 to 30.37 mg per 100 g in selected legumes. Chickpea, kabuli, whole (Cicer arietinum), pigeon pea, split, decorticated (Cajanus cajan), chickpea, split, decorticated (Cicer arietinum) showed a high amount of genistein and daidzein among selected legumes. Average isoflavone consumption by selected population was found to be 18.22 mg/d through the consumption of legumes. Consumption of pigeon pea (split, decorticated) and chickpea (split, decorticated) was found to be highest at 371.6 g/month and 329.7 g/month, and hence were found to contribute 18% and 14% to total isoflavone intake, respectively. The comparatively high content of isoflavones and inclusion as a staple in the diet have resulted in making the split, decorticated pulses (chickpea, pigeon pea, lentil, green gram, black gram) a chief isoflavone source for selected population irrespective of their demographic differences.