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23 Jan 2023
Your brain will blow your mind
Gabriella Florence | Sports Scientist
The human brain is the most complex structure in the known universe! All that complexity, just to keep you alive and kicking. While you may think that your brain is only important for thinking, it is also what controls your speech and movement. Still not convinced that the brain is a mind-blowing organ? Some of these facts might change your mind:
Your brain has over 86 billion neurons (nerve cells) and almost the same amount of non-neuronal cells (cells that provide metabolic and physical support to neurons).
Your brain comprises left and right hemispheres, each with its own specialisations. The left hemisphere is dominant with logic and language, while the right hemisphere is dominant with creativity.
Your brain is 60% fat, making it the fattiest organ in your body. Fuel your brain with a diet rich in healthy fats, like omega-3 fatty acids; think salmon, mackerel, tuna, nuts and seeds, and plant oils.
The scientific term for brain-freeze is sphenopalatine ganglioneuralgia - go on, try to say that one out loud.
While a headache or migraine can have you thinking your brain might explode, the irony is that your brain is completely devoid of pain receptors. Instead, it is the structures surrounding your brain that are sensitive to pain.
Your brain stores around 25% of the total cholesterol in your body. Believe it or not, cholesterol is actually essential to keep your brain cells alive.
The human brain only reaches full maturity at around 25 years of age.
The human brain is highly sensitive to water losses. Dehydrating by just 2% can significantly affect your brain and impair your attention span, memory, and cognitive skills.
Think you have a fast reaction time? Your brain is faster. According to research, your brain can process an image that your eyes have seen for only 13 milliseconds. This is faster than the time required to blink your eyes.
Your brain accomplishes all the above while weighing 1.4kg on average and representing only 2% of your total body mass.
Your brain is well-rewarded for carrying out its various roles. In fact, it uses 25% of your total glucose supply and 20% of your total oxygen supply.
Your brain truly is a one-of-a-kind organ with big roles to play in keeping you alive and fully functioning every day. It is the powerhouse of the human body. Look after yours well.
