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Fuelling mind and body
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To maintain physique and develop intelligence
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People often say that brain is the second thing to go with age. But, scientists say there are strategies that may help a person develop intellectual functioning. An interesting point is that same strategies help a person develop and maintain both phy
sique and intelligence!
According to Rachelle Lawendowski, athlete and professional nutritionist, exercise, nutrition and relaxation/recuperation are the big three for physical and intellectual longevity.
“Exercise promotes energy, more sleep and relaxation, all of which relate to mental clarity and alertness.
The stresses of normal life are released on the gym floor, which frees the mind to accomplish important tasks,” Lawendowski says.
New cells
Biological psychologist Mark Rosenweig and colleagues at University of California, Berkeley, discovered an increase of brain enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in rats that were given complex enriched environment – swings, slides, ladders and toys. It increased the amount of AChE in the cerebral cortex. The amount of this enzyme in the cerebral cortex is correlated to the capacity to learn and utilise information.
Researches have concluded that the brain can continue to heal itself and produce new cells even as a person ages.
Studies at Medical College of Ohio, Lawrence College and the University of British Columbia have shown that rest and relaxation, especially through flotation tanks, reduce stress-related biochemicals in the body, lowers blood pressure and increases blood flow to the brain. To facilitate learning, the mind needs rest and physical exercise. Facing small challenges at the gym every day and ‘winning’ them through workouts develop intelligence. Enriched environment works on humans too, say scientists.
Nutrition
Nutrition is another vital component that contributes to intelligence. According to a study in British medical journal ‘Lancet,’ 60 subjects who received a multivitamin/multimineral supplement for eight months, showed a significant increase in non-verbal intelligence while a control group showed no change. A healthful diet, rich in all vitamins, minerals and sufficient amount of complete protein, fuels not just the body but also the brain, says Rosenweig.
Hitting the gym and eating quality food builds the brain besides the biceps.
C. LAKSHMI KUMAR
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