Discoverer of 'First Epigenetic Superfood' to Speak at University of Illinois

CHAMPAIGN, IL--(Marketwired - October 20, 2014) - On Wednesday, October 22, the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois will host a special informational presentation featuring Dr. Alfredo Galvez, research scientist at the Center for Nutritional Genomics at the University of California Davis and chief scientific advisor at SL Technology, a Reliv company. The lecture is scheduled for an hour and will take place at Bevier Hall, Room 286, at noon.

Dr. Galvez is a leading researcher in the field of nutritional epigenetics and the discoverer of lunasin, the first nutritional compound identified to affect gene expression and promote optimal health through an epigenetic mechanism of action. Lunasin attaches itself to the epigenome in the cell to increase expression of important genes needed for normal cell functioning and protect the cells from environmental damage once it occurs. View video to learn how lunasin works.

Accidental Discovery, Big Benefits

Dr. Galvez first discovered lunasin in 1996 during research at UC Berkley to improve the nutritional profile of soy protein. More than 80 peer-reviewed and published studies from more than 30 research institutions -- including important work at the University of Illinois -- have documented lunasin's health benefits, which include:

• Cholesterol management
• Inflammation reduction
• Antioxidant benefits
• Improved immunity
• Overall cellular health

University of Illinois Advances Lunasin Research

The University of Illinois has been a hub for research identifying the health benefits of bioactive food components, with a strong emphasis on the lunasin peptide. Over the last decade, UI Professor, Dr. Elvira de Mejia, has contributed to more than 23 published papers validating the presence, bioavailability and biological activity of lunasin. According to a recent study led by de Mejia, lunasin works in the body to protect cells by reducing the negative effects of oxidative stress and by regulating the body's inflammatory response. These mechanisms suggest lunasin may offer long-term cell protection when consumed regularly.

"Lunasin is an extraordinary nutritional compound with solid clinical data behind it," said Galvez. "Its proven ability to work at the epigenetic level explains its wide-ranging health benefits and offers the opportunity to transform the way we look at nutrition and health care. I look forward to discussing the science behind lunasin with my colleagues at the University of Illinois, whose pioneering work has been instrumental in advancing the field of nutritional epigenetics."

About Reliv International, Inc.
Reliv International, based in Chesterfield, Mo., produces nutritional supplements that promote optimal nutrition along with premium skincare products. Reliv supplements address essential nutrition, weight loss, athletic performance, digestive health, women's health, anti-aging and healthy energy. Reliv is the exclusive provider of LunaRich® products, which optimize levels of lunasin, a soy peptide that works at the epigenetic level to promote optimal health. The company sells its products through an international network marketing system of independent distributors in 16 countries. Learn more about Reliv at www.reliv.com, or on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

Embedded Video Available: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwDHiLLTgc0