1: The structure of all cell membranes

– The long chain Omega 3 DHA (and omega 6 AA) increase membrane fluidity, essential for optimum cell signalling.

2: The function of the brain and nerves

– 6-10% of the dry mass of the brain, should be DHA. Levels reduce with age and some research suggests this is a contributory factory in the development of Alzheimer disease.

– DHA is concentrated in nerve junctions, where chemical signals between nerves are passed.

– The concentration of neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin and noradrenalin are influenced by Omega 3 DHA status.

KetoactiveMind provides 420mg of DHA, which contributes to normal brain function.

A research paper has shed new light on the complex process causing progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in the human brain. Signs of increased inflammation are linked to disturbance of the normal processes of cell protection and recovery.

The final recovery phase of inflammation is a cellular step, the process of resolution, which is facilitated by specific mediators derived from fatty acids. If this does not occur, the inflammation process is never terminated and advances unchecked, as in Alzheimer’s disease. The research has found that one important mediator, Lipoxin (LXA4), is significantly reduced in those suffering from this disease. Finding a method of elevating LXA4 may provide a route to controlling the advance of AD.

The link to the article is: http://www.alzheimersanddementia.com/article/S1552-5260(14)00030-2

Veg avoiders beware! It appears to be true – eating your leafy greens is good for you. I remember my grandma telling me this and a recent study has provided scientific evidence.

A study on rats at risk of heart disease showed a significant reduction in risk factors when fed a diet of leafy greens. It suggests there are cardioprotective and chemopreventive advantages of consuming diets containing dark green leafy vegetables, with a consequential reduction in cardiovascular disease.

The mechanism was suggested to be a result of conservation of Omega 3 and reduction of cholesterol.

If you would like to read the study for yourself, you can find it at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1476-511X-12-168.pdf

A study (with link below) has shown that higher levels of circulatory Omega 3 are associated with higher executive function, visual memory scores and abstract thinking.

The red blood cell (RBC) level of Omega 3 was related to better cognitive performance in a study of 1575 subjects. Subjects with existing signs of dementia were excluded. The study also showed that those with higher RBC Omega 3 had greater brain volume.

The authors suggest that the findings are related to both the cardiovascular effects of omega 3, and more direct protective effects on the brain at a cellular level.

Ketoactive Mind delivers a high level of Omega 3 DHA and EPA in the form of a pleasant-tasting emulsion which is readily absorbed by the body.

If you would like to read the article for yourself please follow the link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3286229/pdf/znl658.pdf

When you’re tired, do you snack on fast carbohydrates for mental alertness?

Including 20-30g of MCTs in your diet per day could provide a more constant supply of Brain Fuel in the form of Ketones according to recent research.

Ketones are normally thought of as emergency fuel for the brain and other essential organs during starvation or when on high fat low carbohydrate diets. Recent breakthroughs suggest that ketones are more of a super fuel than an emergency fuel AND that by changing the composition of fats in the diet it is possible to generate this super fuel without severe carbohydrate restriction.

In a recent Canadian Study (Courchesne-Loyer et al 2012) researchers fed people 20g of MCTs for 1 week followed by 30g for a further 3 weekly by which time it was estimated Ketones were supplying nearly 10% of the brains energy requirements.

MCT’s can make a positive contribution to your normal, keto or paleo diet.

Article available here: http://www.nutritionjrnl.com/article/S0899-9007(12)00365-6

“The use of MCT’s may become an important alternative in the treatment of obesity, if playing a role in a complete and balanced diet.” A. C. Rego Costa, Nutr. Hosp. vol.27 no.1 Madrid Jan.-Feb. 2012

Obesity is known to be a factor in the development of chronic degenerative diseases.

MCT’s were shown in some studies to help improve body composition and increase energy expenditure. This occurred without any obvious changes in food intake, according to a systematic review of the literature.

This review summarises a number of research articles over a 10 year period to identify the key points from the research on MCT’s and the effect on diet.

The conclusion of the study was that MCT’s have a positive effect on body composition and energy expenditure, although more research is required to understand the mechanism and effective dose.

KetoactiveEnergy provides MCT’s in an easy to take format, which you can carry with you for when you need an energy boost.

To read the whole review, click on the following link: http://scielo.isciii.es/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0212-16112012000100011&lng=en&nrm=iso&tlng=en

Now that the dust has settled on the business launch, I can start to reflect on where the journey began.

Mary T. Newport’s Book, “Alzheimer’s Disease: What if there was a cure?” was an inspiration, as it highlighted a specific nutritional strategy that can offer hope to many sufferers of this condition. Reading this book reinforced my own idea that research on nutrition can offer benefits to many of us, but the body of knowledge is not always shared or presented in an accessible way. Another barrier is having the nutrients we are looking for available in a form that is pleasant to eat, with no adverse effects.

Newport was frustrated with big organisations and business interests obscuring important information, and not allowing individuals to decide for themselves. Having worked for many years in a small family business, I had experienced similar frustration with complex legislation which slowed progress and did not always benefit the consumer.

In big business, only the most profitable products survive. This can mean cheaper, less effective ingredients are used, with a small dose of the more expensive ingredients. Often, a closer look shows that consuming an effective dose would mean getting through handfuls of gelatine capsules every day. At Ketolife, we are ideally placed to produce the best quality, most effective products, and we aim to constantly improve.

If you would like to check out Mary T Newport’s book, follow the link to: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Alzheimers-Disease-What-There-Cure/dp/1591203198/ref=la_B00AZMU6XO_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1391426831&sr=1-1

Omega 3 fatty acids play an important role in cognitive function and the nervous system. Research by Fontani demonstrated the link between Omega 3 supplementation and improved concentration and mood, with the conclusion that:

‘Omega-3 supplementation is associated with an improvement of attentional and physiological functions, particularly those involving complex cortical processing. These findings are discussed in terms of the influence of Omega-3 on the central nervous system.’

G. Fontani, European Journal of Clinical Investigation (2005) 35, 691–699

Early feedback from student users of KetoactiveMind has been that it has helped their concentration and focus.

Let’s hope this is reflected in their exam results.

A study published in the Journal of Neurology and summarised today in Nutraingredients and ‘i’ from the Independent, found that subjects with higher Omega 3 levels were found to have larger total brain volumes at the end of an 8 year study. KetoactiveMind provides a tasty way to maintain your levels of Omega 3 in the form of an emulsion to maximise absorption.