Blood Thirsty Brains
By
Natalie Moore
Posted September 3, 2016
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
What do your brain and Dracula have in common?
Well, if you’re lucky, an endless thirst for fresh blood.
You see, Australian and South African scientists uncovered some groundbreaking discoveries about the human brain, and one of them was pretty shocking…
Your brain wants to drink your blood. Well, not exactly drink it…
More Blood, More Brains
The new study, which is a collaboration between the University of Adelaide and the University of the Witwatersrand, found that human intelligence isn’t linked to just the size of the brain, but also to the supply of blood to the brain.
By calculating the increase of blood flow to the brains of our human ancestors, researchers discovered that the human brain not only became larger as it evolved, but also became more of a “bloodthirsty” energy drainer than previously thought.
Lead researcher for the project Professor Roger Seymour of the University of Adelaide explained the findings:
“Brain size has increased about 350% over human evolution, but we found that blood flow to the brain increased an amazing 600%. We believe this is possibly related to the brain’s need to satisfy increasingly energetic connections between nerve cells that allowed the evolution of complex thinking and learning.”
While modern humans have the highest-functioning brains ever, it would make sense that increasing blood flow would help them work at top capacity. As Dr. Seymour put it, “To allow our brain to be so intelligent, it must be constantly fed oxygen and nutrients from the blood.”
In other words, a “bloodthirsty” brain is one that’s working.
There a few easy ways to increase blood flow to the brain:
- Exercise: This doesn’t mean you have to start training for a marathon. Adding just a few extra steps to your routine could be enough to get blood flowing to your noggin.
- Eat chocolate: Research shows that special compounds in cocoa, called flavonoids, can help increase blood flow to the brain. When selecting a chocolate for brainpower, look for one with a cocoa content of at least 70% to get the greatest brain health benefits.
- Consume More Superfoods: Certain foods like nuts, berries, seeds and avocados have high nutritional values and are often referred to as superfoods. Because of their high nutrient density, research suggests they may help you maintain a healthy brain into old age. Drink powders made with superfood blends are also available. They offer all the powerful nutrients of many superfoods, and some even include brain-boosting supplements
So go take a walk, treat yourself to a chocolate bar, eat some superfoods and enjoy your weekend!
Live well,
Natalie Moore
Managing editor, Living Well Daily
Sources
[2] Flavanols in cocoa may offer benefits to the brain
[3] Eat Smart for a Healthier Brain
Written By Natalie Moore
Natalie Moore is a dedicated health researcher with a passion for finding healthy, natural, and science-based solutions. After a decade of direct healthcare experience in western and natural medicine, she was involved in public health research before joining Living Well Daily.
View More Free Articles
REAL Drug-Free Back Pain Relief
Recently, I’ve had several exasperated people ask me, “Is back pain something I just have to live with?” I battled chronic back pain for years, so I completely understand why some folks feel so hopeless about finding relief. In fact, I used to think I was doomed to a life of pain and limitations, too....
Mailbag: When to Worry About Memory Lapses
“I’ve been experiencing some memory lapses recently, and I’m worried it might be early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. My mother also had it. What symptoms should I look out for?” – Ann Hi Ann, It’s important to recognize that some degree of memory loss is a normal part of life. Our brains constantly process and...
The Unforeseen Link Between Your Gut and Your Waistline
As the weather warms up and summer approaches, many of us start thinking about shedding those extra pounds… We dust off our gym memberships, stock up on salad greens, and vow to finally fit into those shorts from last year. But what if I told you that the key to achieving a healthy weight might...
Defy Aging with the Sunshine Vitamin
If there’s one thing you absolutely must do for your health, it’s to maintain healthy vitamin D levels. I can’t stress this enough. And if you think vitamin D is only good for beefing up your bones, think again. Because while vitamin D is crucial for maintaining healthy bones, recent research has revealed that this...
Detox Your Drinking Water with a Microplastics Purge
We’re surrounded by plastics. They’re everywhere, from the obvious plastic shampoo bottle to the not-so-obvious clothing on our backs. From the moment we get up in the morning until we slide beneath the sheets at night, we are in contact with them. Heck, some bedsheets contain plastic fibers, so you may ALSO be exposed while...
The TRUTH About Word Finding Troubles
Picture this. You’re having a lively conversation with a friend, and suddenly, find yourself grasping for a word that’s just out of reach. You KNOW it’s in there somewhere, hiding in the recesses of your mind. But no matter how hard you try, you can’t seem to pin it down. When you have trouble word...
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...