15 February,2011 06:21 AM IST | | S Mitra Saigal
Active! On ten fun ways to boost brain power. Did you know, for instance, that sleeping and chocolate can not just help you think faster, but also realise your brain's potential to the fullest? Get the low-down on ways to increase IQ
The human brain is a fascinating organ that can be moulded in various ways. Research has increasingly shown that with the right nudge from the environment combined with correct behavioural patterns the brain can perform wonders.
Studies have proven that certain kinds of food, music, games and even exercise can boost mental prowess and increase brainpower. Easy ways by which we can boost our cognitive processes.
1. Eat chocolate to boost concentration
Let's start with one of the most obvious sources of nourishment, food. We don't need a scientist to tell us how important food is for the body, but did you know that what you eat has an equally great impact on your brain?
According to research, certain foods help one concentrate more, increase memory, control stress and even slow down the ageing of brain cells. Foods good for the brain include wholegrain breads and cereals, as they are rich in Vitamin B6, and work wonders for brain development. Nuts like walnuts contain omega-6 fatty acids, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E and vitamin B6, making it great for the nervous system.
Almonds contain Phenylalanine, an important supplement for mental and neurological health; berries are also beneficial. For instance, blueberries protect the brain from oxidative stress and reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and Dementia. Eggs contain something called choline and can help boost the memory centre in the brain. The best news? Even chocolate is known to greatly enhance focus and concentration.
2. Listen to Mozart
Music can have a soothing influence on the brain, but to see real benefits on brain function one should listen to Mozart.
In a study conducted at the University of California, researchers found that children who studied piano and sang regularly in chorus, were better at solving puzzles, and when tested, scored significantly higher in spatial intelligence than the non-musical group.
3. Go jogging
A recent study conducted at the University of Cambridge declared that jogging several times a week stimulates the brain. Dr Paresh K Doshi, in-charge of the Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgical programme at Jaslok Hospital, agrees that exercise improves brain function to a great degree. This, he says, has also been seen in children. Children doing exercises were compared with children who lead sedentary lives, and it was found that those who exercised had improved academic achievement. Dr Doshi also says that regular exercise of at least 20 minutes is known to lower the chances of developing Dementia.
4. Learn a foreign language
A study, which analysed bilingualism globally, found that those who were bilingual were better able to multi-task. It was also observed that learning more languages enhances brain activity and attention. So, it might be a good idea to enroll for that language course.
5. Play video games
Yes, you read that right. In fact, action games have been shown to increase brain power. Daphne Bevalier, a professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester, says that action games seem to be the most beneficial type of game when it comes to analysing how well you see, pay attention, make decisions and switch tasks. A study carried out the University of Rochester showed that participants who played Medal of Honour, a violent video war game, tended to be more focused than the average person.
6. Breastfeed your child
A recent study from Perth's Telethon Institute for Child Health Research has found that children who are mainly breastfed for the first six months (or longer) score significantly higher academically at 10 years of age, especially boys.
Co-author of the study, 'Breastfeeding Duration and Academic Achievement at 10 Years,' associate professor Wendy Oddy, said, "We know that there are vital nutrients in breast milk that support brain development, particularly in terms of long-chain fatty acids."
7. Get a tan
A tan will not only give you that glorious bronzed look but, according to research, sunburn can also help boost brain power and prevent Dementia. It has been found that Vitamin D, which is a great source of keeping the brain active, can be found from the sun. The Journal of Neurology has also found that Vitamin D helps process information faster, especially amongst senior citizens.
8. Wear your Thinking Cap
The Thinking Cap is no longer just a concept. Researchers at the University of British Colombia, Vancouver have developed a product called the 'thinking cap', which promises to help one learn better.
The project was launched when research showed that the brain's ability to do new tasks increased to a large extent if magnetic vibrations were directed to the pre-motor cortex, a brain area just behind the forehead. The thinking cap, which is still being developed, aims to enhance intellectual capabilities.
9. Sign up for a yoga class
This form of exercise is the most holistic form of enhancing the body and mind. Yoga guru Shameem Akhtar informs that there are plenty of yoga asanas that help in boosting brainpower. "For instance with inverted poses and forward bends, there is a powerful gush of blood to the brain.
This opens up unused blood vessels, boosting a physiological recovery for the brain. Also these poses have a powerful de-stressing effect on the brain," she informs. Then there are balancing asanas that steady the mind, while the inversions in yoga send a blood rush to the brain, stimulating it, and are considered memory-boosters. Some of the inverted asanas that are beneficial include headstands (sirsasana), shoulder stands (sarvangasana), forward bends (paschimottanasana - westward facing forward bend) and parvatasanas (mountain pose).
10. Sleep like a baby
Scientists say that sleep has an extremely therapeutic and healing power on the mind and body.
It has been found that sleep can contribute to neurogenesis, the formation of new nerve cells in the brain. Sleep is essential for the brain to process and consolidate knowledge and for memories to form.
