Nutrition for the 21st Century

Until very recently, the prevailing theory in the scientific community held that the DNA in our genes themselves is solely responsible for gene expression as it applies to health and disease formation. In other words, good health is the result of healthy genes and bad health stems from damaged genes. And while the makeup of the DNA in our genes certainly plays a critical role, it is not the only mechanism at work.

There are more than 3 billion DNA sequences in the human genome, but there are only 20,887 protein-coding genes in each cell of the body, equivalent to 2% of the whole genome. The number of genes is similar to that of simple life forms such as a fruit fly or even a microscopic roundworm! So what about the other 98% of the genome, the so-called “junk DNA”? Clearly it has a major role to play in making us who we are.

In September 2012, findings published from a large-scale federal project involving 440 scientists from 32 laboratories around the world provided an answer. It turns out that both junk DNA and the DNA packaging material act as genetic switches, the epigenome informing the genome which genes to turn on and off. It is a complex system that acts like a dimmer for lights, controlling which genes are used in a cell, when they are used and how much they are used, and determining whether a cell becomes a skin cell, a liver cell, a neuron, etc.

Epigenetics – Switch to Better Health

Researchers in the field of epigenetics are studying mice as well as humans to determine how gene expression is affected by environmental factors and lifestyle choices. What they’ve learned is helping them explain differences that can appear over time in identical twins, and more broadly, in the general population. A growing body of evidence suggests that a wide variety of illnesses and behaviors may be linked to these epigenetic switches.

So what does all of this mean? “It means you have more control over your health than you think you do,” says Dr. Alfredo Galvez, Lead Scientific Advisor at the Missouri Plant Science Center. “Most of the changes affecting your health don’t occur in the genes themselves; they happen in the epigenetic switches. And that’s great news! While you can’t reverse a gene mutation, you can influence epigenetic switches through lifestyle choices.”

Diet is Central to it All

Quality nutrition provides the fuel for healthy cell function. Lunasin is the first nutritive compound clinically shown to promote optimal gene expression in cells through an epigenetic mechanism of action. And no other products optimize bioactive lunasin like Reliv’s LunaRich® line of products.

How Does Lunasin Work?

Lunasin gets inside the cell and binds to chromatin in the nucleus. Chromatin is DNA (the genome) wrapped around DNA packaging material called histones (the epigenome). Histones are the main protein components of chromatin, acting as spools around which DNA winds. Modifications to specific tags in histone tails are important in gene regulation. Lunasin binds to these histone tails to affect gene expression.

In the epigenome, lunasin performs two functions:
• prevents enzymes in histones from turning on unhealthy gene expression
• activates enzymes in histones that promote healthy gene expression

The result: healthier cells and better health outcomes for you.

Multiple pathways = multiple benefits

Lunasin influences the epigenome in multiple cell types, so its effects go beyond individual pathways or individual genes. Each epigenome in each cell type is different. If lunasin affects the epigenome in a particular cell type one way, it will affect the epigenome in another cell type another way. That’s how it can provide multiple health benefits:
• Cholesterol management
• Inflammation reduction
• Antioxidant benefits
• Improved immunity
• Overall cellular health
• And the list keeps growing…

“I believe epigenetics holds the key to the future of healthcare,” Dr. Galvez says. “Rather than focusing solely on preventing gene mutations via drugs, which target a specific pathway and a specific gene, we need to also explore the multiple pathways and multiple genes that can be influenced through proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.

“And no other company is advancing the nutritional possibilities of the emerging field of epigenetics like Reliv. We are in the middle of a revolution in nutrition and we are all witnesses. The most exciting part is that we’re really just getting started!”

The Truth About Soy

Exciting new discoveries are revealing soy’s mounting health benefits, and much of the excitement centers around lunasin, a naturally occurring soy peptide. Soy’s cholesterol-lowering properties, which are supported by an FDA health claim, can now be attributed to lunasin.

In fact, the American Heart Association, which once petitioned the repeal of the FDA’s health claim, recently invited Dr. Alfredo Galvez, the scientist who discovered lunasin, to present at its national convention.

Lunasin is now one of the most heavily researched and scientifically supported nutritional compounds available today. Since it was discovered in 1996, 50+ published studies have shown its multiple health benefits, including inflammation, improved immunity and overall cellular health.

And for those looking to incorporate more antioxidants in your diet, you’re in luck. Lunasin also demonstrates an ability to:

• reduce the oxidation of linoleic acid that produces oxygen radicals
• act like an oxygen radical scavenger
• reduce oxygen radicals produced by macrophages (highly specialized cells that remove dying or dead cells and cellular debris)

Mythbusting

High quality non-GMO soy foods are also an excellent source of protein, and many are also good sources of fiber, potassium, magnesium, copper and manganese. But despite the studies proving its benefits and the positive reaction of the scientific community, myths about soy persist. Let’s take a look at a couple common myths and learn the truth about soy:

Myth #1: Men shouldn’t take soy because it contains estrogen-like properties.

Truth: Soybeans are rich in phytoestrogens, a subclass of a group of antioxidants known as isoflavones. Because the structure of phytoestrogens is similar to the human sex hormone estrogen (found in both men and women), it can sometimes mimic the hormone in animals with estrogen receptors. Phytoestrogens mimicry of estrogen has led some to believe that soy can have a feminizing effect on men. A May 2010 study showed that soy isoflavones “do not exert feminizing effects on men at intake levels equal to and even considerably higher than are typical for Asian males.” The results report: “There is essentially no evidence from the nine identified clinical studies that isoflavones exposure affects circulating estrogen levels in men. Clinical evidence also indicates that isoflavones have no effect on sperm or semen parameters.”

Another study in 2010 at St. Catherine University in St. Paul, Minnesota, investigated whether soy has an effect on reproductive hormones in men. The study found conclusively that neither soy foods nor isoflavones supplements alter measures of bioavailable hormone concentrations in men.

Soy has been a dietary staple for many cultures with no significant report of health effects in men. Reliv posts recommended serving sizes on all our products and encourages common sense and moderation to its consumers.

Myth #2: Soy isn’t safe for breast cancer patients and survivors.

Truth: Concerns about the correlation between soy and breast cancer risk are nothing new. Doctors recommending that breast cancer patients limit their soy intake have been waiting for years for conclusive evidence that a link exists. In November 2012, the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) published their findings and proclaimed moderate amounts of soy safe for breast cancer patients and survivors. “Determining whether it is safe for breast cancer survivors to eat soy has been one of the big research questions under study and now we know it is safe — the evidence is so consistent,” said AICR Nutrition Advisor Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN, an expert on diet and cancer prevention.

The AICR has reported that for all cancers, human studies have shown soy foods do not increase the risk. Overall, the seven recent epidemiologic studies examining soy consumption among breast cancer survivors — in six population studies and one combined analysis — show that consuming moderate amounts of soy foods does not increase a woman’s risk for poorer outcomes.

“These findings are great news for women who want to use soy as a source of protein while cutting back on animal protein such as red and processed meat for better health.” said Bette J. Caan, DrPH.

A Note from Dr. Carl: The Best Soy Available

As you’ve read above, the benefits of soy are undeniable as part of a healthy diet and active lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to reduce cholesterol or simply maintain your good health, soy is an effective way to give your body what it needs. That’s why soy has been a central component of Reliv’s approach to nutrition since the very beginning.

And now science has uncovered soy’s secret. The key is lunasin, a naturally occurring soy peptide. Lunasin is the first nutritional component shown to work at the epigenetic level to promote optimal gene expression in cells. In other words, it turns good genes on and bad genes off. And no other supplements available maximize lunasin content like Reliv’s LunaRich® products.

As a soy advocate for over three decades, I have heard the myths about soy repeated time and again. But good science always wins in the end. With lunasin research we now know what makes soy such a nutritional powerhouse, and we have one more reason why Reliv’s unparalleled formulas deliver real results.

To Your Health,

Dr. Carl W. Hastings
Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer

Thank you Dr. Carl for another great article!

Sources:

http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/soy.html

http://www.aicr.org/press/press-releases/soy-safe-breast-cancer-survivors.html

http://www.fertstert.org/article/S0015-0282%2809%2900966-2/abstract

http://www.isoflavones.info/

Soy Protein, Lunasin and Heart Health

Soy Protein Findings Regarding Cholesterol

In 1995, a meta-analysis of clinical trials showing a 12.5% reduction of LDL cholesterol when 25 gm soy protein replaces casein protein in diet was used as the basis for the approval of an FDA health claim on soy protein and heart health.

A follow-up 2006 meta-analysis of clinical trials conducted after FDA approval showed that on average, 50 gm soy protein was needed to reduce 3% LDL cholesterol. This American Heart Association commissioned study was the basis for the current petition to repeal the 1999 FDA health claim on soy protein.

A supplementation experiment using LDL-receptor mutant pigs conducted in 2012 has identified the lunasin peptide found in soy protein as the active ingredient responsible for lowering LDL cholesterol and its mechanism of action is by reducing cholesterol biosynthesis in the liver, similar to statin drugs without the side effects. Lunasin was serendipitously discovered in 1996 by Dr. Alfredo Galvez as a postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley.

Dr. Galvez, Ph.D. is currently the Director of Research at the Missouri Plant Science Center and the Lead Scientific Advisor for Soy Labs LLC, working on the development of functional foods and nutraceutical ingredients based on the lunasin peptide. He has a PhD in Genetics from UC Davis, majoring in molecular biology and cytogenetics. He is also a Project Scientist at the Center for Nutritional Genomics, University of California at Davis, working on elucidating the molecular mechanism of lunasin as a peptidomimetic of a human tumor suppressor.

Lunasin Availability

Exciting results and more than 40 peer-reviewed and published studies have documented lunasin’s health benefits. Research by 21 research institutions supported by 27 public and private funding sources has resulted in nine patents.

Partnering with Reliv International, the Missouri Plant Science Center and Soy Labs LunaRich™ soybeans grown exclusively for Reliv marks a huge step forward in nutrition science having 5-10 times more lunasin than any other product. Reliv works only with suppliers who meet very high standards and every ingredient is rigorously tested throughout the production process to ensure safety, purity and potency. Currently, five Reliv products contain LunaRich. Reliv is focused on developing products that bring the latest nutritional research to you.

Beyond the Genome: How lunasin works to promote optimal health

We sat down with Dr. Alfredo Galvez, the scientist behind Reliv’s LunaRich® soy powder, to discuss how the lunasin soy peptide works at the epigenetic level to promote optimal health.

The sequencing of the human genome was hailed by scientists at that time to be the harbinger of medical miracles. Yet 12 years later, deciphering our DNA has brought us no closer to understanding, much less finding effective preventive approaches for, major chronic diseases. The good news: groundbreaking research is uncovering a higher level of complexity beyond genetic variation. Even better news: proper nutrition can produce positive changes at this higher level.

Q: What is the epigenome and what role does it play in cell function?

To better explain the epigenome, you must first understand what the genome is. The genome is the DNA that makes up a living thing — the blueprint of life. Each cell in our body contains the same DNA, or genome. Epigenome literally means “beyond the genome” and represents another layer of complexity. The role of the epigenome is to essentially tell the genome what to do by dictating which genes to turn on or off inside the cell. We have more than 300 cell types — skin cells, liver cells, brain cells, etc. — that look and function differently even though they have the same DNA. What differs among these cells is their epigenome.

Q: How can nutrition promote optimal functioning of the epigenome?

The epigenome changes as we age and interact with our environment. However, unlike unwanted changes in the genome, which we call mutations and are permanent, those changes to the epigenome can be reversed so as to promote optimal functioning of the cell. Research is now revealing that good eating and lifestyle habits, along with supplementation with natural bioactive agents such as those found in Reliv products, have the ability to promote those changes in the epigenome that can lead to healthier cells.

Q: How does the soy peptide lunasin affect the epigenome?

I discovered lunasin by accident 16 years ago. One of the important observations that I made through many hours of looking through the microscope was that lunasin can attach itself to the epigenome and, as a result, can increase expression of important genes needed for normal functioning of the cell and protect the cells from environmental damage once it occurs. That’s how lunasin has both maintenance and preventive roles in the cell. It maintains optimal functioning of the epigenome and prevents unwanted changes that can eventually lead to chronic diseases.

Q: What benefits of lunasin is research uncovering?

From my initial experiments I was able to identify lunasin’s mechanism of action and how it modulates the epigenome. Understanding this, I then discovered lunasin can reduce the production of bad cholesterol in the liver and can explain the cholesterol-lowering effects of soy protein. The University of Illinois later found that lunasin has anti-inflammatory effects, UC Berkley uncovered its antioxidant benefits and Purdue University recently proved that lunasin enhances innate immunity. We anticipate discovering additional health benefits of lunasin in the months and years to come.

Q: How does the elevated luansin content in LunaRich soy powder help promote the effectiveness of other ingredients in Reliv products?

Lunasin enhances other bioactive agents in two ways:

• Synergism: It works synergistically with those agents. Each of these bioactive agents has its own specific effect on genes and physiological pathways. We know that chronic diseases are caused by multiple pathways and interaction of those pathways. So if we disrupt several of these pathways by using different bioactive nutrients, we can potentially produce a more effective way of preventing chronic diseases.
• Increased potency/efficacy: We’ve also shown in our research that lunasin can increase the potency or efficacy of other bioactive agents. For example, some bioactive agents are activators on some important genes involved in maintaining health. Once these genes are activated, lunasin has the ability to further increase their expression by making them more readily recognized by the cell

Q: What new developments can we expect to learn about lunasin and LunaRich in the coming months?

Lunasin research continues at top institutions across the country. And we are very excited with some of the latest results of research at the Missouri Plant Science Center with Reliv Now® with LunaRich. I can’t reveal the details of the results just yet, but I can say they are very, very promising and that you’ll be able to see them in the next few months. We’re working hard to come up with new nutritional solutions for Reliv, especially new combinations of Reliv products and lunasin/LunaRich. So stay tuned for some exciting news coming soon!

Dr. Alfredo Galvez is a renowned research scientist at the Center of Excellence in Nutritional Genomics at UC Davis and lead scientific advisor at the Missouri Plant Science Center. Dr. Galvez first discovered lunasin in 1996 during research at UC Berkley to improve the nutritional profile of soy protein.

LunaRich Delivers Results

As a vehicle safety inspector, I have to crawl under trucks and buses all day. Joint problems were making my job nearly unbearable. I started on Reliv Now with LunaRich and felt better almost right away! My wife, Sheila, lost 32 pounds and feels great too! – Mark Willingham, Reno, NV

I donated a kidney, so my doctor keeps a close eye on my cholesterol. LunaRich has helped lower my bad cholesterol, increase my good cholesterol and cut my triglycerides nearly in half! People who were never interested in Reliv before now suddenly want to know more. – Juanita Jachetta, Warden, WA

Lunasin: The Future of Nutritional Genomics

Lunasin – Numerous studies demonstrate lunasin’s superior support through nutritional intake for cancer-preventive effects, cardiovascular health (cholesterol and blood pressure), significant anti-inflammatory properties, anti-aging, and skin health.

Reliv products have 5 to 10 times more Lunasin than any other product with our exclusive LunaRich™ .

Dr. Alfredo Galvez, the Missouri Plant Science Center’s lead scientific advisor, first discovered lunasin during research at UC Berkley to improve the nutritional profile of soy protein. More than 40 peer-reviewed and published studies have documented lunasin’s health benefits. Research by 21 research institutions supported by 27 public and private funding sources has resulted in nine patents.

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Fighting Metabolic Syndrome at the Cellular Level

The symptoms of high blood sugar can cause very serious long-term damage to your body — even if you feel fine.

Metabolic syndrome — a cluster of symptoms including high blood sugar, obesity and cardiovascular problems — has reached epidemic proportions. Excess weight, particularly around the waistline, is the biggest contributor to metabolic syndrome.

A person with metabolic syndrome is twice as likely to develop heart disease and five times more likely to develop diabetes. Other silent symptoms include eye, kidney and nervous system damage over time.

Genetics and Chronic Disease

You may have heard that certain chronic diseases — including obesity and type II diabetes — can be genetic. But new groundbreaking research is uncovering a higher level of complexity beyond genetic variation. Even better news: proper nutrition can produce positive changes at this higher level.

A recent article by the Associated Press highlighted new data the Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project recently published in Nature – the international weekly journal of science.

“The scientific establishment has finally acknowledged that there is more than just DNA or the genome to explain how chronic diseases develop and how the environment, like nutrition and lifestyle, can have profound effects in altering our health,” said Dr. Alfredo Galvez, renowned research scientist at the Center of Excellence in Nutritional Genomics at UC Davis and lead scientific advisor at the Missouri Plant Science Center.

One of the most exciting discoveries in the fight against metabolic syndrome was discovered by Dr. Galvez: a soy peptide called lunasin. Lunasin works beyond the genome at the epigenomic level to promote optimal health.

Changes in the epigenome can cause symptoms associated with metabolic syndrome. Lunasin attaches to the histones and helps the epigenome function properly, so that these changes do not occur in the cells.

How Lunasin Helps Lower Cholesterol

High cholesterol is one of the key risk factors for metabolic syndrome. Studies show that lunasin is largely responsible for soy’s acknowledged cholesterol-lowering properties.

Cholesterol comes from two sources: dietary intake and our body’s own production in the liver. Over 80% of cholesterol comes from the liver, so the most effective way to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol is to control the liver’s internal production. lunasin does so in two ways:

1. Selectively disrupts a step in the production of an enzyme key to cholesterol synthesis in the liver.
2. Increases the number of receptors available in liver cells to clear LDL cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Most cholesterol is produced in the liver by the HMG-CoA reductase gene. Statin drugs work by blocking HMG-CoA, but they can often block too much. This leads to serious side effects because our body needs a minimum level of cholesterol for proper cellular function. On the other hand, lunasin targets cholesterol at an earlier stage, reducing the HMG-CoA without blocking it entirely.

Video: Watch how lunasin works.

A Note From Dr. Carl: A Nutritional Solution

GlucAffect®  is a cutting-edge nutritional approach to metabolic syndrome. A patented formula combines scientifically proven ingredients to address three factors of metabolic syndrome: blood sugar, weight and cholesterol.

In an eight-week clinical study of overweight individuals with elevated blood glucose levels, subjects taking four daily servings of GlucAffect lowered their fasting blood glucose by an average of 30% and lost an average of nearly 16 pounds. Read the study.

The recent addition of LunaRich® soy powder significantly increases the lunasin content in GlucAffect and its ability to combat metabolic syndrome.

We can all take a simple step to combat the epidemic of obesity and metabolic syndrome. It’s as simple as telling people about Reliv. Who will you share GlucAffect with today?

To your health,

Dr. Carl Hastings

Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer