Dynamic Duo

The evidence of the benefits of a lunasin-based supplement program continues to roll in. A University of Missouri study of pigs supplemented daily with Reliv Now® and LunaRich X™ for eight weeks showed significant improvement in key biomarkers associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health.

“While this was a small animal study and only a preliminary step in demonstrating the efficacy of this supplement regimen, the dramatic results are remarkable,” said Dr. Alfredo Galvez, Chief Scientific Advisor at SL Technology Inc., a Reliv subsidiary. “Most exciting of all is that there currently exist no effective treatments for improving key biomarkers measured in the study, namely circulating free fatty acids and the hormones leptin and adiponectin.”

Study Results
Test subjects recorded a decrease in weight gain and a 65% reduction in free fatty acid (FFA) levels, a biomarker associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome. While previous experiments had demonstrated LunaRich X’s ability to lower LDL cholesterol, FFA levels remained relatively unchanged with LunaRich X supplementation alone. Only when combined with Reliv Now did researchers see a significant reduction in FFA levels.

The decrease in FFA levels was accompanied by coordinate increases in plasma levels of the hormones leptin (+64%) and adiponectin (+60%). Leptin signals the brain when the body had enough food, producing the feeling of fullness. Adiponectin (ADP) is a hormone from fat cells that controls energy metabolism, increases insulin sensitivity and supports weight loss. The two hormones perform complementary actions and can have additive effects on weight management.

A four-week washout period followed the eight weeks of supplementation. During these four weeks, test subjects maintained the same diet and activity levels but no longer received the combination of Reliv Now and LunaRich X. At the end of this washout period, key biomarkers measured in the study — FFA, leptin and adiponectin levels — returned at or near pre-study levels. Conclusion: The combination of Reliv Now and LunaRich X was responsible for the marked improvement in metabolic and cardiovascular health indicators.

Exciting Possibilities
“The physiology of pigs is very similar to our own, especially in liver function, so the results do suggest the potential for significant human health benefits,” said Reliv Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer Dr. Carl Hastings. “When you combine these results with the health benefits reported by Reliv consumers and the body of research already surrounding lunasin, it’s hard not to get excited about the possibilities. The next step is to conduct human clinical trials, which we are actively pursuing.”

Study Methods
Over an eight-week period researchers fed obese pigs an otherwise soy-free diet that included daily servings of Reliv Now and LunaRich X. Blood draws were taken at 10 minutes, 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 24 hours after ingestion to test the bioavailability of the lunasin. Weight and blood draws were taken at pre-treatment, at 4 weeks, 6 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment had begun. At the end of 8 weeks, an additional 4 weeks washout period followed without treatment. Weight and blood draws were also taken at the end of washout period (12 weeks).

Lunasin Powers Up Other Nutrients
In addition to its own benefits, lunasin increases the benefits of other bioactive nutrients in two ways:

Synergism: Lunasin works in conjunction with other nutrients, each with its own effect on genes and physiological pathways. Many health problems are caused by multiple pathways and their interactions. If you disrupt these pathways with different bioactive nutrients, you can produce a more effective means of prevention.

Increased potency: Lunasin can also increase the potency or efficacy of other bioactive nutrients. For example, some nutrients are activators of 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.

“My working hypothesis to explain the increased levels of leptin and adiponectin in this study is that bioactive ingredients in Reliv Now activate the leptin and adiponectin genes and lunasin then increases the expression of the activated genes,” Dr. Galvez says. “But more research is required to determine which nutrients are doing what.”

Great article and awesome results Reliv!

Getting to Know Now: Cutting-Edge Nutrition

Reliv Now® delivers a complete, balanced array of soy protein, vitamins, minerals and super-powered antioxidants in one powerful shake. Reliv Now even features a new and improved creamy vanilla flavor that blends wonderfully in smoothies! You may already know that Reliv Now is good for you, but let’s take a closer look at just two key ingredients and what they do.

LunaRich
Scientists have pin-pointed lunasin, a naturally-occurring soy peptide, as the component responsible for many of soy’s documented health benefits. Lunasin works at the epigenetic level within your cells to support cholesterol management, inflammation reduction, antioxidant benefits, improved immunity and overall cellular health. LunaRich from Reliv contains many times more lunasin than any other soy powder.

Research continues to identify additional lunasin benefits. A recent study of pigs supplemented daily with Reliv Now and LunaRich X™ for eight weeks showed significant improvement in key biomarkers associated with cardiovascular and metabolic health.  What makes this study particularly exciting is that there currently exist no effective treatments for improving key biomarkers measured in the study, namely circulating free fatty acids and the hormones leptin and adiponectin.  View the study.

So why take LunaRich products instead of other soy formulations? LunaRich products deliver more bioactive lunasin, and only Reliv has them.

Pycnogenol
Pycnogenol® is a French maritime pine bark extract and a key ingredient in Reliv Now. Pycnogenol provides a distinctive blend of natural and powerful antioxidants. It relaxes arteries to improve blood flow and blood pressure, effectively making the heart’s job easier. Pycnogenol also wards off stress, prevents damage to the skin from UV rays and supports healthy joint mobility and flexibility, among other benefits. Learn more about Pycnogenol.

Recently, Pycnogenol was even shown to alleviate the symptoms of the common cold when taken with Vitamin C and zinc, which are also ingredients in Reliv Now. View the study.

Why use Reliv Now instead of multivitamins?
Reliv Now is so much more than a department store multivitamin. In addition to an optimal blend of vitamins and minerals, Reliv Now contains a proprietary blend of enzymes and herbs, seven grams of soy protein and cutting-edge ingredients like LunaRich and Pycnogenol. It offers the most effective possible nutrient levels without saturated fats, trans fats or artificial preservatives.

Plus, Reliv Now comes in the form of shakes that are easily absorbed by your body. That’s called bioavailability, a key component in Reliv’s approach to nutrition. Together with Reliv’s uncompromising commitment to quality, you can rest assured you’re getting the safest, most effective daily nutritional supplement on the market.

A Note from Dr. Carl:
Reliv Now and LunaRich X — Reliv’s Dynamic Duo
Taking care of our health through nutrition is by no means a new idea. We all know to include the proper nutrients in our daily diets to improve our health and overall quality of life. But new discoveries are showing that nutrition plays an even bigger role than we first thought.

Reliv Now is designed to offer the most advanced daily nutritional supplement available anywhere. LunaRich X meanwhile is the most concentrated form of lunasin ever produced. Both products were built on cutting-edge research in nutrition science, and together they create a potent combination for optimal health.

A recent study at the University of Missouri demonstrated these products’ combined ability to support weight loss, heart health and metabolic wellness. More importantly, Reliv consumers everywhere are reporting remarkable results on these products, from cholesterol reduction and weight loss to increased energy and stronger immunity.

So if you’re looking to start a Reliv supplement regimen, I encourage you to include Reliv Now and LunaRich X. If you’re already taking these products, I can’t wait to hear your results.

To your health,
Dr. Carl W. Hastings
Reliv Vice Chairman and Chief Scientific Officer

Thanks Reliv and Dr. Carl for a informative article!

 

Vietnam Vet Won’t Be Without LunaRich X

By Robyn Mohs, Helena, MT.

As I was telling someone about Reliv, she mentioned her husband, Bob, a Vietnam Veteran who came back with Agent Orange poisoning from the war. He was awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal and Purple Heart for wounds received.

His health had been deteriorating over the years and he suffers from a multitude of health problems. He has a service dog, Ozzie, because he’s nearly blind.

The first day Bob took two capsules of LunaRich X. He called the next day to say that he had slept for seven hours, which hadn’t happened in a very long time. Not long after his headaches eased and he was able to breathe clearly on walks with his dog.

His health continued to improve that first month, so he started taking four capsules a day. He then called to say that he put on his own shoes for the first time in a very long time.

On my next visit, Bob stood up from his recliner to show me he could touch his toes. Before Reliv, he couldn’t even reach his knees. It was more exciting that he could fluidly stand up on his own! He recently had his blood work done through the VA, and his anemia of 20 years was no longer a concern and his liver and kidney function had improved.

Bob ran out of capsules and stopped taking LunaRich X for a few weeks, only to see health problems return. He contacted me to say that he wanted more LunaRich X — immediately! He’ll never be without it again!

Bob thank you for your service. The life-changing results with LunaRich keep pouring in!!!

 

Lunasin and the Epigenetic Mechanism of Action

Dr. Alfredo Galvez, the Center of Excellence in Nutritional Genomics at University of California – Davis shows how lunasin the world’s first epigenetic superfood affects multiple genes in multiple pathways versus cancer drugs in the slideshare presentation below.

 

What makes lunasin different from drugs in affecting chronic diseases? 

“Drugs target specific physiological pathways and specific genes in the body, treating the symptoms instead of treating the underlying causes of chronic diseases. Lunasin, as a bioactive dietary nutrient, in combination with proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle affect multiple pathways and multiple genes to more effectively promote health and protect the body from chronic diseases.”

How can nutrition promote optimal functioning of the epigenome and limit environmental damage?

“The epigenome changes as we age and as we interact with our environment. Nutrition plays a big part in changing the epigenome because the chemical compounds that attaches and modifies the epigenome can be derived from dietary sources. Unhealthy foods and eating habits will result in changes in the epigenome of different cells and can turn on or off genes that predispose individuals to chronic diseases.”

“However, unlike changes to the genome (mutations) that are permanent, unwanted changes to the epigenome due to bad diet and damaging environmental conditions, such as smoking, chronic stress and sedentary lifestyle, can be reversed so as to promote optimal functioning of the cell. Current research is now revealing that good nutrition and supplementation with natural bioactive agents have the ability to promote changes to the epigenome that could lead to healthier cells and bodies.”

How does lunasin turn on health-promoting genes?

“Lunasin can turn on and increase the expression of health-promoting genes, such as those involved with cancer prevention, by enhancing the acetylation of Lysine 16 in histone H4 [1]. H4-Lysine 16 acetylation is the epigenetic mark associated with the opening up of condensed chromatin (DNA + histones) to allow easier access of the cellular transcription machinery to activate and increase gene expression. Loss of H4-Lysine 16 acetylation has been shown to be a common hallmark of human cancer cells [2].”

How does lunasin turn off disease-causing genes?

“Lunasin can turn off disease-causing genes by binding and inhibiting the specific acetylation of Lysine 14 in histone H3 by the histone acetylase enzyme, PCAF [1]. H3 acetylation, which includes H3-lysine 14 acetylation, is an epigenetic mark required to activate genes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, inflammation, hormone response and cancer formation. By impeding the expression of these genes, lunasin can help prevent formation of chronic diseases.”

Learn more about lunasin and the epigenetic revolution.

References:

1. Galvez, A.F., et al., Nutrition and Cancer, 2011. 63:623-36.
2. Fraga, M.F., et al., Nature Genetics, 2005. 37(4):391-400.
3. Galvez, A. Circulation Research, 2012. 126: p. A10693.

The Nutritional Epigenetic Revolution

Every cell in your body contains DNA — half from your mom, half from your dad. That’s your genome, the genetic blueprint that makes you you.

Until recently, scientists believed there was little to nothing you could do to affect genes inherited from your parents. Turns out you have more control than you think you do.

Taking Control

Within each of your cells is a higher level of complexity called the epigenome. The epigenome acts like the boss of the cell, instructing the genome which genes to turn on and off. This is why different cell types — eye cells, skin cells, liver cells, etc. — can have the same DNA but perform vastly different functions.

The epigenome can also determine how well a cell functions, and that’s where you come in. Good lifestyle choices turn healthy genes on and unhealthy genes off. While bad choices do just the opposite and can lead to serious health problems.

Problem is, even when you know what you’re supposed to do — eat right, exercise, reduce stress, etc. — life sometimes gets in the way.

What If…
What if there was a simple, proven way to turn good genes on, turn bad genes off and become your best possible you? To improve upon the genetic code your parents left you and even pass on those healthy epigenetics to your own kids?

What Is It?
A naturally occurring soy peptide.

How Does It Work?
Lunasin is the first nutritional compound identified to work at the epigenetic level to promote optimal health.

So What?
50+ studies have shown lunasin’s many health benefits:

•   Cholesterol management

•   Inflammation reduction

•   Antioxidant benefits

•   Improved immunity

•   Overall cellular health

•   And the list keeps growing…

LunaRich: Nutrition at a Higher Level

What Is It?
LunaRich® from Reliv is a breakthrough nutritional ingredient that optimizes bioactive lunasin more than anything else available today.

How Is It Made?
LunaRich is made from non-GMO soybean varieties with the highest concentration of lunasin and manufactured using proprietary technologies that help maintain the lunasin’s bioactivity — even after digestion.

So What?
You get maximum lunasin for maximum benefits.

LunaRich Products are quite simply the most advanced non-GMO soy formulations on the market today

Dr. Galvez Answers Questions in Science and Health Today

You’ve got LunaRich® questions, Dr. Galvez has answers. Below are his responses to some of your most common inquiries.

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

How does lunasin know which genes to turn on and off?

The lunasin peptide and its functional homologs in other seeds are found naturally only in the storage cells of developing seeds. Lunasin binds to specific histones (packaging material of DNA), allowing the storage cells to replicate its DNA without undergoing cell division. In the process the storage cells enlarge and, after repeated cycles, grow big enough to store the carbohydrates, proteins and other nutrients needed by the plant embryo to germinate and grow into a seedling. This functional role of lunasin in seed development is conserved in nature.

For tens of thousands of years of human evolution, seed proteins have been the major source of protein and nourishment of humans foraging for plants and cultivating crops for food. My working hypothesis is that lunasin, with its histone-binding properties, has co-evolved with the human genome to optimize the epigenetic regulation of genes important for human fitness and survival. This proposed model of adaptive evolution through epigenetic control of gene regulation provides an explanation as to why lunasin has targeted and highly coordinated effects on gene expression to improve health and to provide protection from adverse environmental conditions.

In other words, lunasin exists in nature and provide health benefits for a reason and NOT by chance. And always remember that before there were drugs, there was food.

There are other nutrients that also work at the epigenetic level. What do we mean when we say lunasin is the first nutritional compound identified to do so?

Other food nutrients identified that work at the epigenetic level include resveratrol from red grapes/wine, sulforaphanes from cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, and EGCG from green tea, among others. The epigenetic mechanism of action of lunasin was first described in 1998 to explain how lunasin can inhibit gene expression of unhealthy genes. A patent disclosure filed by UC Berkeley in 1998 was published in 2001. The epigenetic mechanism of action for these other food nutrients were described and published after 2001, making lunasin the first nutritional ingredient identified to work at the epigenetic level.

What is research showing about our ability to pass epigenetic traits on to our children?

Ongoing research seeks to prove that epigenetic marks laid down in a person’s lifetime can be passed on to subsequent generations in a process called transgenerational inheritance. This phenomenon has already been observed in plants and lower forms of animals such as fruit flies, nematodes and mice through the process of paramutation and genomic imprinting.  Research is also seeking to better define epigenetic “windows of opportunity” with regards to transgenerational inheritance of epigenetic marks, including key developmental phases such as pre-conception, pregnancy, infancy and adolescence.

Can people with a soy allergy take LunaRich X™?

Studies done in Europe on people with soy allergies have shown that the soy albumin fraction in which lunasin is found does not cause allergic reactions. However, we cannot generalize for all soy allergy sufferers, so caution should still be practiced when taking LunaRich X. A quick way to determine if one is allergic to LunaRich X is to put a small portion under the tongue and monitor for any allergic reaction such as itching and swelling. As always, we recommend you consult your physician if you have any history of food allergies before you start any supplement regimen.

We know from wonderful stories that Reliv LunaRich products provide results at any age, but why does Reliv nutrition and LunaRich become even more important as our bodies age?

The sooner people consume high-quality nutrition like Reliv, the better. But it’s never too late. The epigenome changes as a person grows older and gets exposed to different environments and lifestyles. Some of these epigenetic changes may lead to predisposition to serious health problems. Reliv nutrition and LunaRich can help in preventing and even reversing some of these aberrant epigenetic marks and protect cells from further damage as our bodies age.

Why can’t I just eat soy beans (edamame), tofu, soy milk, and other soy products to get my lunasin? Why do I need your products? What’s the difference?

Not all soy preparations contain effective levels of bioactive lunasin. In fact some may contain lunasin that when ingested becomes inactivated and non-functional. Each serving of LunaRich soy powder and LunaRich X contains the equivalent amount of bioactive lunasin that can be found 25 grams of high-quality, industry-standard soy protein isolate, the daily amount identified by the Food and Drug Administration to help reduce the risk of heart disease. This means that you are assured of getting a healthy amount of bioactive lunasin in your body when you consume Reliv’s LunaRich products.

Thank you Reliv for this insightful interview with Dr. Galvez