Do you know singing causes our brain to be more capable of processing information?

The power of music to affect our memory is quite intriguing. Most recently brain-imaging studies have shown that music activates many diverse parts of our brain, including an overlap in where the brain processes music and language. This simultaneous left and right brain action maximizes our learning and retention of information. The information we are studying activates the left brain while the music we are listening to activates the right brain. Also, activities which engage both sides of the brain at the same time, such as playing an instrument or singing, causes our brain to be more capable of processing information.

Our ear converts sound waves into movement by vibrating specific parts of the middle and inner ear. This movement is then converted into electrical signals that travel in our eighth cranial nerve to the brain. From the ear, auditory information travels first to the brain stem, then to the thalamus, and then to the auditory cortex in the temporal lobe on both sides of the brain.

Damage to the temporal lobe of our brain may cause us to have problems with singing a song, playing an instrument or keeping rhythm. Sometimes this damage causes problems related to recognizing music, but no problem with hearing speech and other sounds. This type of condition is called amusia. People with amusia have trouble recognizing melodies.

Some research has suggested that music is processed by the right cerebral hemisphere. Other research has shown that the left hemisphere is also important. Listening to music and appreciating music is a complex process that involves memory, learning and emotions. It is likely that there are multiple areas of the brain that are important for the musical experience.

In 1982, researchers from the University of North Texas performed a three-way test on postgraduate students to see if music could help in memorizing vocabulary words. The results simply showed that  our learning does not absolutely guarantee recall but music can possibly improve it. Background music in itself is not a part of the learning process, but it does enter into our memory along with the information learned. Apparently, our recall is better when the same music used for learning is used during recall.

Patients with lesions on the left sides of their brains showed improvement with music therapy. Before the therapy, these stroke patients responded to questions with largely incoherent sounds and phrases. But after just a few minutes with therapists, who asked them to sing phrases and tap their hands to the rhythm, the patients could sing “Happy Birthday,” recite their addresses, and communicate if they were thirsty. The underdeveloped systems on the right side of the brain that respond to music became enhanced and changed structures. However, success varied depending on how recently a person had had a stroke and the severity of the damage. But several patients were eventually able to teach themselves new words and phrases by turning them into tunes, and few were even able to move beyond simple phrases and give short speeches.

Evidently, music is an alternative to stimulate the parts and lobes of the brain that before were not involved in any other activities of our daily lives.

Photo by ohmyGaly

Do you know how to stimulate your child's brain for development?

Children’s minds are synonymous to sponges. They absorb everything around. Be it a good information or a junk, their brain is non-selective. Because the early formative years in the life of children affect their later choices in life, parents should nourish them well during their formative years. Several developmental researches prove that nature and nurture are the two predictors in determining the learning of patterns of children. Although the nature provides the innate and uncontrollable factor, parents can modify the expression of the genes through proper nurturing. Here are the ways to maximize the development of the brain.

Provide a Loving Environment

If you want to maximize the brain development of your children, nurture them with love and care. If you need to discipline their actions, talk to them and explain the misbehavior. Never resort to spanking. In a study conducted at the Center for Child and Family Policy at Duke University, researchers found out that spanking leads to aggressive behavioral problems and lower scores on mental development. Parents who choose physical punishments are most likely the stressed, single, depressed or uneducated individuals. Instead of piling up abusive behavior with your children, create a loving environment and aim to build happy memories for them to recall when they grow up.

Play with them

Play is the children’s way of learning. Creative play and ordinary play are two different things. To stimulate your child’s brain development, choose the creative play. This kind of interaction provides room for kids to development their artistic nature and allows their imagination to work. Previously, parents overwhelmed their children with books with the belief that only school can provide the education they need. However, nowadays, researches prove how the life outside the four corners of the classroom can affect the abilities of people. Instead of the traditional experiences, provide innovative and enjoyable ways to stimulate their mind to work.

Read

You do not have to wait until your children reach the pre-school age to read to them. No child is too young for reading. You can start the habit even with infants by showing colorful and simple pictures. You can progress with the difficulty of the subjects as the child grows older. By providing room for reading, you can expect better growth and development of their brains when they are ready for the formal education.

Protection from Secondary Smoke

A study in Environmental Health Perspective authored by Kimberly Yolton showed that children exposed on household with smokers have reduced IQ points by as much as two to five. The exposed kids displayed lower scores on math, reading and visual spatial skills than children with no exposure. The result of the study is just one of in the long list why parents should keep their children from second hand smoke.

The first few years of life are the formative years for learning. By providing your children ways to nurture their intelligence, you can raise a genius in your family. Keep in mind that your actions today will bear their impact on your children ten or twenty years from now.

Photo by Photo8.com/ Sam Photo8.com

A stress-free environment is beneficial for selective amnesia.

Amnesia is a condition where in an individual’s memory is lost or altered. There are two major classes of amnesia according to cause: organic and functional. Organic amnesia is caused by any physical damage or injury to the brain. Functional amnesia, on the other hand, is caused by psychological factors like psychosis and other mental problems. One of its most common causes is post-traumatic stress.  Selective amnesia is classified under functional amnesia.

Causes of Amnesia:

• Brain infections – meningitis
• Brain injury caused by vehicular accidents, falls, head blows
• Traumatic events such as death of loved ones, rape, war
• Mental disorders
• Abuse of sedatives
• Degenerative diseases such as dementia

Forms of Amnesia

• Anterograde amnesia – impaired ability to remember new events and learn new things.
• Retrograde amnesia – a form of amnesia where in an individual fails to remember past life events prior to onset of amnesia but is able to retain knowledge and memories acquired after onset of the condition.

What is Selective Amnesia?

Selective amnesia is a result of a repressive defense mechanism of an individual after a traumatic or painful event such as death, rape, and any kind of abuse.

What Happens in Selective Amnesia?

The individual suffering from selective amnesia refused to remember a particular event, usually traumatic, preventing the brain from transferring that specific memory from short-term to long-term memory.  Thus, temporarily or permanently erase it from the individual’s brain.

Some memories are already converted to long-term, but during recollection of these memories, they undergo a reprocessing.  During this state, the memories stored deep in the brain surface out and are prone to alterations.

Can Selective Amnesia be induced?

In 2007, American researchers experimented on rats and had proven that a memory can be modified pharmacologically without altering other memories. They conditioned the rats, shocking them every after making a particular sound. One group of rats was given a medication known to cause forgetfulness and the other group was not. They observed the rats’ brain activities, in both groups. Result shows that the rats under medication are not excited when they hear the sound the researchers made.

In 2009, a group of medical students experimented on a drug RU38486 to treat posttraumatic stress syndrome. This drug blocks the effects of cortisol, a stress hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. The study was successful. Al though it was performed on rats, it had set a springboard for studies in humans.

Treatment for Selective Amnesia.

Amnesias with psychological causes are treated with psychiatric treatments. The role of healthcare providers in patients with selective amnesia is to provide care, love and belongingness. Strengthening these patients’ coping mechanisms can prevent reoccurrence of the condition.

Therefore, individuals suffering from selective amnesia should be taken to a place where they are loved and cared for. They need a stress-free environment conducive for healing and coping process. Selective amnesia is not a result of a brain damage but a shattered sense of security and deep emotional injury.

Photo by rayced/Valeriano Della Longa

Do you know diving may have effects on long-term neuron-function?

The human brain receives about 20% of total body oxygen consumption, usually through normal breathing in a normal situation. It functions mainly for cognition, consciousness, orientation, speech and memory. Its enclosure in a cranium with the protection of meninges and brain- blood barrier suggests its vulnerability and fragility especially from abrupt changes of conditions such as temperature or pressure.

Change in pressure

The principle of Robert Boyle in the gas law identifies the volume of gas that is inversely proportional to the pressure, or as the pressure decreases, the volume of gas increases. In addition, Henry’s law describes the solubility of gases in liquids, which means that the solubility depends mainly on the ideal pressure of the gas in contact with the liquid.

Normally, the human body consists mainly of water, thus the solubility of gases in water plays a significant role in the absorption and release of inert gases by the body’s tissues. Even a slight deviation of air consumption, pressure, or temperature will indeed yield traumatic effect to the body, particularly to the brain.

Sea Diving

There are many physiological effects when the human body is submerged into the deep, like in the case of sea diving. Scuba diving is a recreational sport in diving to a depth between 130 and 150 feet. Before, this was primarily used in the military sea operation. Today, it has increased its popularity especially to people who are nature trippers; making it a sought-after water sports during summer vacation. This high-risk sport should be made only after a pre- training, to test scientifically the individual diver’s capabilities and sensitivity to increasing depths.

Effects of Deep Sea

It is true that the underwater environment is really exquisite, extravagant, and exceptional; yet it can be potentially hazardous or risky to anyone not familiar to the condition. Whenever, the diver goes deeper into the sea, the pressure of the surroundings increases. A diver’s cognition is not affected on dives as low as 10 meters in depth, but the changes in depth are not usually perceptible. If this happens where the condition is under increased pressure, oxygen changes its effect on the body. From a gas of prime importance at normal pressure, it turns into a lethal gas as depths progress. When the toxic oxygen saturates the system then it starts to destroy some neurons and eventually triggers the central nervous system to be overexcited which then causes death.

Decompression

Another effect of deep dive is the decompression sickness or commonly known as the bends. This results from the formation of bubbles in the blood or body tissues. Usually, some functions of the brains are affected by this condition like the weakening of movement coordination, decrease of higher brain function, and delayed reflexes.

Nitrogen narcosis

Scuba diving may also have long-term negative neuron-functional effects when performed in extreme conditions, such as the dip in cold water, more than 100 dives per year, and a depth below 40 meters. Significant impairment due to narcosis is an increasing risk below depths of about 30 meters.

Nitrogen narcosis is a condition in scuba diving where a diver has feelings of ecstasy and euphoria. This state has the potential to be extremely dangerous, because the nitrogen gas does not react chemically with the body; it is considered that the nitrogen gas affects the signals that are sent along the nerve fibers in the body. Then, resulting in the impact being mainly related to brain and nerve functions.

Conclusion

The diver is exposed to increasing dangers, which develops as he/she approaches the depth. Pressure becomes intense as the diver dips down the sea. Improper use of sea materials or lack of knowledge about diving can lead to a serious problem. Divers should undergo proper education and guidance from experts before they finally take the plunge.

The simplest way to avoid nitrogen narcosis is for a diver to limit the depth of dives. When narcosis occurs, it is only temporary and would disappear instantly when the diver ascends to a shallower depth.  To guarantee safe sea diving, hold on to all rules and take all possible precautions. In doing so, you will ensure a safe, pleasurable diving experience, without any harmful side effects to your body particularly to your brain.

Photo by Ilse Reijs and Jan-Noud Hutten

Acupuncture is one method of alternative medicine known today as the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Believed to have originated from China, its use was traced back about 5,000 years ago.

Cause of Illness

Energy has always affected the nature of life. It becomes a usual source of power, strength, and balance. Every matter is supposed to be attracted by the opposite energies and repelled by the similarities. This is manifested in people and in nature.  A vital energy, which is called the Qi, circulates in the body along the pathways, which are called meridians; this energy has been responsible for the body’s equilibrium against external forces within the body.

The early proponents of this practice believed that good health depends on the correct flow of Qi. If external forces disrupted or disturbed the continuity of this vital energy, this will agitate the normal pathway, making the body experience stress and consequently no Qi; thus resulting to illness with the body’s physiology affected.

Use of acupuncture

Acupuncture is a procedure that uses the technique of inserting the sterilized needle superficially through the skin where acu-points are located and palpated. There are many acupuncture points along the body’s energy-carrying channels. However, after the stimulation of these points, it is believed that the blocked or disrupted meridians restore the proper flow of energy and result to the stability and balance of external and internal forces of the body.

Some experts say that acupuncture is useful in prompting the body to release the natural painkiller known as endorphins, which is responsible in decreasing or alleviating pain such as migraine, menstrual cramps, headache, and toothache, among others. It has also served as a natural painkiller prior to surgical operations and was confirmed to have a positive effect when combined with a local anesthesia.

Action in the Brain

Acupuncture has long been used to ease chronic pain where it allows the flow of energy to the pain response system of the brain known as the opioid, releasing promptly the natural painkiller. It can change the brain’s long-term ability to manage pain.

The benefit of this technique is indeed good for brain activity. There are Qi in the vital points of the body that give warmth and which initiate homeostasis. Brain is proliferated by numerous neurons and ganglia, each function well when acupoints are triggered and the signal of information is optimized. As we grow, our brain cells also mature, sometimes degeneration happens due to external forces like stress, pollutions, pathogens, and chemicals that advance and accelerate this process. With this acupuncture technique, it has effectively prevented such occurrence.

Conclusion

Though many say that acupuncture technique does not have any healing effect and is not widely accepted in the Western medicine, still, there are many researches proving its benefit in the brain activity, like the increase flow of blood in the diencephalon part of the brain when the acu-point is activated by the insertion of the needle. This revealed that there is a prompt flow of pain signal to the brain stimulating the release of endorphins.

The treatment is very safe and uses needles that are disposable or sterilized. There are no side effects as in the case of antibiotics or oral medication. Only some marks or bruises at the spot where the needles are inserted become evident after the procedure. Most of the time, patients do not feel anything at all, as the needles are inserted or removed. However, very few might experience some discomfort, but it does not exceed the threshold of pain.

Photo by sellyourseoul

Did you know depression could be "cured" by exposing yourself to sunlight?

The brain is composed of brain cells called neurons.  There are about 10 billion neurons in a person’s brain.  Said to be the center of the central nervous system (CNS), the brain recognizes emotions and feelings by a person.  The brain also reacts to these stimuli that can make us happy, sad or depressed.

Depression is one common emotion that most people feel at some point in their lives. You may have a first-hand experienced  about this too. But what is depression?  What causes depression and what is its effect on brain function?

Depression is a state of being sad due to events that happened in one’s life or due to unknown etiology.  You can feel depressed without any reason at all.

What may be the causes of depression?

A question of whether depression affects brain chemistry or that brain chemistry affects the secretion of substances is slowly being unraveled by researches and studies. Common knowledge endorses that major changes in one’s life like a transfer of residence, a death in the family, a separation and many other occurrences.  These are the emotional causes of depression.

Serotonin and the brain

Physiologically, low levels of serotonin, a monoamine neurotransmitter essential for proper brain function, are shown to have caused depression.  Serotonin is usually enhanced by natural or artificial light that is why more people are depressed during winter than in summer.

People who are depressed because of low serotonin can be “cured” by subjecting them to sunlight or artificial light. This has been effective in lifting the moods of depressed persons.

According to a recent study conducted by Dr. Philip Gorwood, et al entitled,” Toxic Effects of Depression on Brain Function: Impairment of Delayed Recall and the Cumulative Length of Depressive Disorder in a Large Sample of Depressed Outpatients.”

Quote ”that there is a toxic link between the burden of depression and cognition.” This finding has important implications for public health. ^“ Unquote

Cortisol and the brain

Cortisol is a hormonal substance that is elevated when a person is depressed. This is because when a person is anxious or depressed the secretion of this hormone is increased because of stress.  Cortisol is secreted by the adrenal cortex in the adrenal glands.  The secretion of cortisol in the adrenal glands is in turn controlled by corticotrophin releasing factor or CRF, which is found in the hypothalamus.  That is why chronic types of anxiety disorders cause changes in the chemical structure of the brain.  It also results to block cranial arteries and eventual shrinking of the brain.

With these data, it is clear that depression and chronic anxiety disorders do affect the brain structure and chemistry.  Living a healthy lifestyle is the key to a properly functioning brain.  Get sufficient sunshine or artificial light exposure to maintain normal levels of serotonin.  Allow the body to relax to lower the levels  of your cortisol.  Being aware of these facts would help a lot in keeping your brain healthy and functioning properly.  Live right and think right.

Photo by DieselDemon

Are cell phones safe to use?

Cell phones flourished with the advent of the new millennium.   There are almost 5 billion users in the world today.  With this magnitude of users, these questions lurk in everyone’s mind, “Is the cell phone safe for the brain?”  “Do they really affect the brain?” These questions arise from the fact that cell phones operate making use of electromagnetic radiation to transmit messages and calls. What are the facts that surround these alleged hypotheses?  Here are some data that could shed light into these questions.

There are conflicting research results as to the effect of radio frequency (RF) on mobile users.

The European Commission Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR) revealed in a study it conducted in 2007, that “Exposure to RF fields is unlikely to lead to an increase in cancer in humans.”

Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Hardell, et al, 2007 came up with the findings that long-term use of cellular phones for more than 10 years has also increased the risk for brain tumors especially for ipsilateral exposure. Ipsilateral exposure is exposure on the same side of the brain when you listen to the mobile device.

In Copenhagen, The Institute of Cancer Epidemiology said that “there was no significant increase in brain tumors from 1998-2003.”

Earthtimes News report, June 2006 cited that there was a definite effect of cell phone utilization in the brain. Whether it is good or bad, they still are not sure.

There are; however, more researches attesting to the fact that the long usage of cell phone especially in persons below 20 increases their risk of contracting brain cancer or tumor.

Remedies to solve the problem:

• Children below 20 yrs old should be discouraged to use cell phone.

• It was initially thought that using a handset would decrease the risk of radiation exposure. This was disproved though later and found out to be the opposite.  The metallic handset intensified the radiation from the cell sites.

• Use Non-metallic handset instead of the metallic device to reduce RF.

• Use Bluetooth wireless headsets.

• Avoid too much exposure to your mobile. Do not use it if you do not need to.

• The transfer of cell sites to non-populated areas to avoid the higher RF affecting residents.

• Use your ears alternately and do not keep the phone in your pocket or place it under your pillows.

• Do not press the phone to your ears while it is trying to find a connection. This would be the one of the strongest RF phases.

• Recently, clipping the hands free kit with a ferret bead stops radioactive waves’ transmission.

Another evaluation would be released soon this 2010 as a follow up study of the previously conducted researches. It would be interesting to learn whether the results will be positive or not.  Taking precautions when using mobile phones would still be the best way to deal with it.  Prevention, even without significant data, is wise and responsible.

Photo by timparkinson/ Tim Parkinson

Did you know your brain regulates your blood sugar level?

Do you know that your brain can dictate to your body to reduce your sugar concentration? Without the brain, specifically the hypothalamus, you will not be feeling anything.  That is exactly what happens when you lose consciousness, the brain is “dead,” and so you feel nothing.  It is when the brain responds to stimuli that the body reacts.

What is homeostasis?

Homeostasis is the process by which the body maintains internal balance by responding to stimuli generated by the different endocrine glands.

The hypothalamus in the brain is where the inhibitory and releasing hormones are secreted.  It is the center of the central nervous system (CNS) and thus is responsible for responding to the different body stimuli.

How does the brain maintain homeostatic sugar levels?

The brain, through hypothalamus, secretes several releasing and inhibitory hormones, which controls the release and inhibition of hormones in the different organs.  Growth Hormone Inhibitory Hormone or GHIH is responsible in controlling the secretion of growth hormone. Gonadotropin Hormone Releasing Hormone or GnRH is responsible in controlling the release and inhibition of gonadal hormones, while Cortisol Releasing Factor controls the release of cortisol.

The body should maintain the homeostatic levels of sugar or glucose levels for the body to function well.  Glucose is the most predominant blood sugar.  When the sugar levels are not within this normal level, which is about 50-110 mg/dL, then this stimulus would be sent to the hypothalamus.  Persistent hyperglycemia can lead to diabetes mellitus, which is a debilitating condition.

The action of the hypothalamus

When the blood glucose levels are elevated, like in hyperglycemia, the hypothalamus receives this stimulus, and then acts on the negative feedback mechanism by stimulating the pancreatic glands to secrete the hormone insulin.  Insulin is responsible in reducing the concentrations of glucose in the bloodstream.  It is secreted by the beta cells of the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.

When the insulin secretion is increased, consequently, the glucose concentration will decrease because insulin will enhance the re-absorption of glucose inside cells.  It will also help in the utilization of glucose as energy thereby reducing its concentration in the blood stream.

When the glucose levels are back to normal, this stimulus would be sent again to the hypothalamus.  The hypothalamus recognizes it and then decreases the secretion of insulin in the pancreas.  This will bring back the blood glucose or sugar levels to normal, thereby maintaining homeostasis.

The neurons or brain cells perform a variety of complex and simple functions. What is amazing to know is that it controls the entire body in performing it physiologic functions. When all your organs are functioning normally, then rest assured your brain would automatically maintain your normal blood glucose levels through the homeostatic process.

Without the brain, there will be no feelings and sensations at all, so when you say I love you to your partner, you should be saying, “I love you with all my hypothalamus,” and not “with all my heart.” Because the heart cannot feel without the brain.

Photo by Lin Pernille Photography

Do you know meditation can improve your concentration?

Do you ever get those days when you’re simply not in your element? You go to work without focus, stare blankly at the audiovisual during a staff meeting, and go back to staring blankly at your computer, unable to focus on what needs to be done. Days like these don’t just happen – not if they can be prevented altogether. There are many ways to improve concentration, but only a few come with added benefits like deep relaxation, stress relief and better multi-tasking skills. In this article, get to know the basics of medication and how it can help you develop better concentration to be more efficient and effective in both work and play.

First, understand your goal. What does it mean to concentrate? Take a brief look at your work desk. There may be paper clips, forms, pens, photos, and other items on it. It is one thing to eye the desk and see everything there, and it’s another to look at a single paper clip and let the others fade into periphery. That’s concentration. It is more abstract in life, of course, but simply put, it is putting your focus on one thing at a time.

Is it really possible to concentrate on something 100%? Yes it is. You may have even experienced it. You may have been so engrossed in a book you were reading or a movie you were watching, that you barely blinked, got out of your seat, or even heard someone else talking to you.

Meditation is centered on the belief that in order to concentrate, you need to summon your energy and center them on your object of focus. True enough, it does take a significant amount of energy and willpower to shut everything off and focus on just one thing.

Experts believe that the first step towards effective meditation to improve brain function is breathing control. Notice how when you are feeling a rush of emotion or tension, your breathing is rapid and labored, and you can barely focus on anything. Meditation is the complete opposite. Breathing here should be deep and observed, as if you had to listen to yourself inhale and exhale. When you breathe deeply, your brain gets more oxygen and nutrients, making it more receptive.

After you’ve mastered your breathing, the next step is to find a focal point. Single-pointed meditation is one of the best ways to increase concentration. Favorites are a lit candle or a tree. If you are to use a lit candle, have it at eye level. Sit in a comfortable position and stare at the lit candle for as long as you can. If you start to get teary-eyed, close your eyes and imagine the candle just as it was. Images in your head will get distorted. The candle will start moving, or swaying, or you may start imagining other things. When this happens, bring yourself back to your focal point and try again.

If you decide to involve meditation in your daily routine, it will be best to do it for 30 minutes in the morning when you are fresh and rejuvenated from sleep. Turn off mobile phones and other gadgets and never rush your ritual. It takes a lot of patience and you may struggle at first. Some people report a heightened concentration in as early as one week, and others as long as six months.

Photo by HaPe_Gera

Do you know flaxseed is a source of omega 3 fatty acids?

When we think of fats, we also automatically associate it with obesity, clogged arteries and well, a few new pair of jeans. What most people don’t know is that while there are the bad fats, there are also the fats that actually neutralize the effects of bad fats.

The body is not the only thing affected by consumption of fats – your brain relies on a steady amount of good fats too, for it to function optimally. Therefore, it is important to feed your brain the right kind of fats. This article will shed light into why the brain needs fats, and which fatty foods boost brain health.

First, here are some facts about fats and the brain. Remember that the human brain is comprised of sixty percent fat. Each brain cell membrane and every nerve’s myelin sheath are made up of fat. A baby’s brain rapidly grows and even triples in size until he or she reaches his or her first birthday. The successful growth and development of the brain relies on a baby’s adequate intake of fats. 50% of breast milk, considered a baby’s complete food for six months, is where baby gets his or her daily consumptions of fats crucially needed by his or her brain.

But what happens to the brains once a mother weans her child from her breast? That’s where a nutritious diet comes to play. Here are a few of the good fats that need to be part of everyone’s diet.

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a brain – building fat present in many children’s milk. This is extremely important because brains have to be highly developed in order for one to perform in life optimally. DHA is an omega 3 fatty acid. I

n adults, the consumption of omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods such as krill oil have proven significant benefits to those with cholesterol and heart ailments. In addition, DHA has also shown benefits for those with Alzheimer’s Disease.   According to studies, this omega 3 fatty acid inhibits the accumulation of a protein known to cause Alzheimer’s.

Flaxseed is another source of omega 3 fatty acids, especially for vegetarians. Apart from its anti-cholesterol benedits, flaxseed is also known to thin blood and prevent cancer. By thinning the blood and minimizing cholesterol build-up, it assures the brain of adequate oxygenated blood supply.

Finally, monounsaturated fatty acids, or MUFAs, are more beneficial to the body than to the brain, but anything consumed for the body, is also consumed by the brain. Monounsaturated fatty acids are found in olives, avocadoes, seafood, walnuts and soybeans. MUFAs work by neutralizing the effects of bad fats in the body.

Think of it this way:  Blood vessels that carry blood throughout all parts of the body are like tubes that have the tendency to clog. Bad fats solidify and clog these blood vessels, causing bad blood supply and sometimes, even a heart attack of a stroke. Also, when organs like the brain lack blood supply, it cannot function properly. One has trouble thinking, concentrating and even performing daily chores. MUFAs, on the other hand, are like oils – they pass through the tubes fluidly. When they do, they flush out the bad fats that have gotten in the way of good blood supply.

Photo by AlishaV/ Alisha Vargas