The brain is an incredible muscle, however there are many things we do not know, and what we do know is not always accurate. You want to know more about this big brain of yours? Here are 10 myths about your brain that will surprise you!
1. We only use 10% of our brain’s capacities
The first myth is something you have probably heard before: as a thinking being, we humans only use 10% of our brain’s capacities. The number is not really accurate, but even if its not 10, but 5 or 20, what is important to notice is that we do not use all of what our brain can do in our everyday live. And that is because we do not always use the same areas of our brain, and most often we do not use them at the same time.
2. We have a right brain and left brain, and one of them is more predominant than the other
Every human has “two brains”: a right brain and a left brain. This means that depending on the activities we are performing one or the other is going to be more stimulated. Scientists call this argument the neuromyth, and some also say that the left brain is commonly more developed than the right brain.
3. Women’s brains do not work the same way as men’s brains
We often hear that men and women do not think the same way. And that is one myth that is false: since all brains are made the same way, women and men think the same way. Women can be as good at maths as men, for example, it just a question of how the brain is used by everyone.
4. The brain cannot be altered, even with training
That myth again is false: as we said before, the brain is a muscle, and all muscles with work and training can get better and stronger. Indeed, motivation is all you need to change your brain, and it may not come easily but as the saying goes “Practice makes perfect”.
5. We can do anything with our brains thanks to neuroplasticity
It should be noted that the brain is a dynamic and plastic muscle, but it is also very sensitive to the activities we choose to perform. Each brain is different than that of another person, which means that some activities performed by two different people will not necessarily stimulate the same areas of the brain. It really depends on what the person likes and does not like.
6. The size matters
Some people are convinced that the level of intelligence of a person is connected to the size and volume of their brain. Once again, it is NOT true! However, research show that the size and volume of the brain does not necessarily correlates with a person’s intelligence. It is a preconceived idea that we should forget.
7. The brain starts to decline after 20 years
We all know that with age the brain begins to decline: some people start to lose their short-term or long-term memory; some others can no longer perform some tasks that used to be simple… But these side-effects of aging should not come before 60 years old. Indeed, if you are in your twenties, even if your brain is not developing as much as in your teen years, it does not mean it is decline either.
8. Cholesterol is bad for the brain
Even if every doctor say cholesterol can sometimes cause severe strokes, it is important to know that cholesterol is not always bad for your brain. In certain cases, it can even be essential to the good functioning of the brain. However, just like chocolate, eat it parsimoniously.
9. Brain games make you smarter
That much is not always true. Of course, brain training can be used as a way to treat and fight against cognitive disorders, but it does not necessarily make you smarter. However, it does preserve the brain and help it stay in shape.
10. Classical music stimulates the brain
Just like brain training, listening to classical music does and will not make your children smarter. Moreover, even if studies have shown that listening to Mozart allowed students to do better in their exams, they’ve also proven that it was not a log-term effect.
You now know more about your brain, about how it works and have given up some of the preconceived ideas you had about the brain.
11. The Brain’s Energy Consumption
The brain, despite being only about 2% of our body weight, consumes approximately 20% of the body’s energy. This high energy demand is essential for maintaining its complex functions. Here are some key points about the brain’s energy use:
- The brain primarily uses glucose as its energy source.
- Even during sleep, the brain remains active and continues to consume energy.
- High mental activity can lead to increased energy consumption, which is why you might feel tired after intense thinking.
12. The Role of Sleep in Brain Function
Sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining brain health and function. During sleep, the brain undergoes various processes that are vital for cognitive performance. Here are some important aspects:
- Memory consolidation occurs during sleep, helping to strengthen and organize memories.
- Sleep deprivation can lead to impaired judgment, reduced attention span, and difficulty in problem-solving.
- Quality sleep is essential for emotional regulation and mental health.
13. The Impact of Nutrition on Brain Health
The brain requires a variety of nutrients to function optimally. A balanced diet can significantly influence cognitive abilities and overall brain health. Consider these nutritional factors:
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, are crucial for brain structure and function.
- Antioxidants, present in fruits and vegetables, help protect the brain from oxidative stress.
- B vitamins support energy production and neurotransmitter synthesis, which are vital for mood regulation.
14. The Influence of Physical Exercise on Brain Function
Regular physical activity is not only beneficial for the body but also for the brain. Exercise has a profound impact on cognitive function and mental well-being. Here are some benefits:
- Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, promoting the growth of new neurons.
- It can enhance memory and learning capabilities through the release of neurotrophic factors.
- Physical activity is linked to reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, improving overall mental health.
