Ways to Boost Your Brain PowerFiled under:MindThursday, October 21 2010 - bySoundHealthKey topics:BrainMemoryExerciseMagnesiumVitamin BSleepVitamin DSun

Mail to a FriendPrinter friendlyLike the body, thebrainis made entirely from molecules derived from food,airandwater, so changes in these factors can directly affect ourmental health. Here are some factors which have been found to help improve intellect.ExerciseScientists are continuing to find new evidence which points to a link between physicalexerciseandmental health.A Cambridge University study suggested that jogging just a couple of times a week stimulates thebrain. After a few days ofrunning, hundreds of thousands of newbraincells were shown to have grown in a region that is linked to the formation and recollection of memories.An improved ability to recall memories without confusing them has a direct impact on other crucial cognitive tasks, and could lead to potential new ways of slowing down the deterioration of mental ability in old age.In other findings, scientists have also found that vigorousexercisehelps release aproteincalled'noggin'.Theproteinacts as with anotherprotein,bone morphogenetic protein, and stimulates the division ofbrainstem cells, keeping thebrainnimble and active as we get older. Research suggests that amplified production of noggin could therefore prevent the on-set of age-relatedbraindiseases such asAlzheimer's.A Mid-Day NapScientists have long suspected thatsleephas a significant impact on the brain's capacity formemory, but recent research has found that sleeping for an hour in the afternoon boostsbrainpower and dramatically increases its ability to learn new facts and tasks.Having a nap after lunch acts as a regenerative aid, allowing thebrainto 'file' away memories so that new information may be more easily retained.The researchers discovered that those who stay awake all day are less likely to be able to learn new tasks as the day goes on, leading the experts to suggest that napping in the long-term may be conducive to warding off age-related degenerative mental diseases.Magnesium and Vitamin B-Rich FoodsEating foods rich inmagnesiumsuch asspinachandbroccoli, as well as high doses of B-vitamins are associated with boostingmemoryandbrainpower.Research published in the journalNeuron, found that an increase ofmagnesiumin thebraincould help learning in both the young and old.Other research found that high doses of Bvitaminshalved the rate ofbrainshrinkage in older people experiencing signs ofmemorydecline. Certain Bvitamins, includingfolic acid,vitamin B6and B12 - were also found to control levels of a substance known as homocysteine in theblood. High levels of homocysteine are associated with fasterbrainshrinkage andAlzheimer'sdisease.Food sources of Bvitaminsincludemeat,fish,eggs,asparagus,lentils, mostbeans, and leafy greenvegetables.Sun ExposureScientists have found that increased exposure to thesunis linked to boosting your intellect and preventingdementia.A larger intake invitamin D, which can also be found in oilyfish, was linked to a greater ability to keep thebrainactive and in top condition as we age.Another study published in theJournal of Neurologyfound that an association between increasedvitamin Dand faster information processing was particularly significant in men over the age of 60 years.Mowing the LawnResearchers have discovered that a chemical released by lawn mowing not only relievesstressand makes people happier, but could also prevent mental decline in old age.Australian scientists claimed that the aroma of freshly cut grass works directly on thebrain, particularly targeting areas associated with emotion andmemory. These are known as theamygdalaand thehippocampusand are the two areas that are responsible for the flight or fight response and the endocrine system, which controls the releasing ofstresshormoneslike corticosteroids.Chronicstresshas been shown to damage the hippocampus (an area of thebrainthat helps regulate emotion and memory), by reducing the number of connections between communicating cells, leading tomemoryloss, sometimes irreversible.