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Most of us are familiar with the overwhelming evidence regarding the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, aka fish oil, for cardiovascular health. But a growing body of research supports the beneficial role of omega-3s in healthy brain aging.

In a landmark study published in the scientific journal, Neurology, elderly people with healthier dietary patterns, including higher intakes of omega-3 essential fatty acids and vitamins C, D, E, and the B vitamins and lower intakes of trans fats, were less likely to have brain shrinkage associated with Alzheimer’s disease than people whose diets were not high in these nutrients. Furthermore, those with healthier diets scored higher on mental thinking and memory tests.1

Where many studies have relied on qualitative evidence from surveys and questionnaires, this study is notable for also measuring nutrient biomarkers in the blood. For the thinking and memory scores, the nutrient biomarkers accounted for 17 percent of the variation in scores. Other factors such as age, years of education, and high blood pressure account for 46 percent of the variation. For brain volume, the nutrient biomarkers accounted for 37 percent of the variation.

The study was supported by the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute on Aging, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Portland, VA Medical Center.

Not just for seniors

The Neurology study provides valuable substantiation for the benefits of omega-3 essential fatty acids for older brains. But what about other age groups? Are omega-3s beneficial for younger brains too?

Quite possibly. In a study conducted at Northumbria University and published in the Biological Psychology, supplementation over twelve weeks with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the omega-3 primarily found in brain tissue, increased blood flow to the brain during mental activity and impact certain aspects of mental performance in young adults.2

The researchers suggest that regularly eating oily fish or taking omega-3 supplements earlier in life may have implications for mental function later on in life.

Until next week,

Best Wishes for Ultimate Health and Majestic Dreams!

Steve Wallach
CEO
AL International
Helping YOU Live Younger, Longer!

“Resolve Today to Make the Best Use of Tomorrow”

Sources:

• Bowman GL, Silbert MD, Howieson D, et al. Nutrition biomarker patterns, cognitive function, and MRI measures of brain aging. Neurology. 2011 Dec 28. Epub ahead of print.
• Jackson PA, Reay JL, Scholey AB, Kennedy DO. Docosahexaenoic acid-rich fish oil modulates the cerebral hemodynamic response to cognitive tasks in healthy young adults. Biol Psychol. 2012 Jan;89(1):183-90. Epub 2011 Oct 19.

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Is Your Independent Business Customer-Centric?

“Customer-centricity” has become a buzzword for small businesses in recent years. While it’s obvious that all businesses need satisfied customers, the concept of “customer-centricity” goes beyond just providing products that people will buy. It’s really about focusing your entire business around your customers wants, needs and buying behaviors.

Most business owners naturally put the bulk of their marketing efforts into attracting new customers. But “customer-centric” businesses pay close attention to the entire customer life-cycle, from the Stage 1 – Pre-purchase/Marketing to Stage 2 (Purchasing) to Stage 3 (Post-purchase). This includes the following:

• Stage 1 – Pre-purchase/Marketing. Determining what your market wants and which products best meet their needs; marketing your business in ways easily reached by potential customers; providing them with the clear, concise information they need to make an informed decision.
• Stage 2 – Purchasing. Ensuring that ordering, payment, fulfillment and return policies are customer-friendly if not effortless. If you have a web site, making sure it’s user-friendly and easy to navigate.
• Stage 3 – Post-purchase. Listening to what your customers are saying about your products and services and making adjustments accordingly. Making available, via surveys or social media sites such as Facebook, a forum for your customers to provide their feedback; being open to both positive and negative comments.

By being a “customer-centric” business, you’ll not just attract new customers, you’ll also increase the probability of getting repeat business and quality referrals!

Vanessa Hunter
Vice President of Marketing
AL International

 

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