7 things that affect your brain's ability

Reading books helps you train your brain better than watching TV, eating too many sweets reduces memory and learning ability. Bright Side synthesizes studies of human activity that affect the brain.

1. Read books to train your brain

Reading helps train cognitive abilities.

Oxford scientists demonstrate that the reading process helps train cognitive abilities, while stimulating areas of the brain that are not used at other times. When we read, blood enters the brain area, which is focused and aware, notably this does not happen when watching movies or playing games.

2. Drawing helps improve brain activity

A study showed that painting and viewing works of art improve interactions between brain areas, while slowing down their aging process. The researchers considered the effect on people aged 62-70. Half participated in art history courses and the other half participated in drawing courses. As a result, the drawing class members are more stimulated by the brain.

3. The amount of sugar in the diet affects memory

Eating too much fructose causes the brain to function stagnantly.

Eating too much fructose causes brain activity to stagnate, reduced learning, memory and concentration. This is because excess sugar in the body will destroy nerve connections in the brain.

Scientists stress that industrial sugar (in carbonated drinks, spices, sauces, baby food) is more harmful. In contrast, foods containing omega-3 fatty acids (in fish, fish oils, hard fruits) benefit brain health.

4. Pregnancy changes the brain structure

Scientists have learned that pregnancy reduces the amount of gray matter in the brain areas that are responsible for social awareness and the ability to understand others. This is necessary for the mother's body to promote relationships with children, understand the needs of the child and pay attention to the dangers that may arise from the outside.

5. The brain is very sensitive to dehydration

Our brain has nearly 80% water. Therefore, reducing the amount of water even only about 2% also reduces the ability to concentrate and pay attention, leading to short-term memory impairment and other cognitive abilities.

6. Prolonged stress adversely affects the brain

The decline in memory, learning ability and autonomy is the result of prolonged stress. Besides, a stressed person is often restless, uncomfortable and easily distracted.

7. Lack of sleep often reduces memory

Scientists from the University of California at Berkeley have found compelling evidence that lack of sleep can reduce memory and cause Alzheimer's disease. During a deep sleep at night, the cells remove toxic substances that are dangerous to the brain. If a person never gets enough sleep, brain cells will gradually be destroyed.