The brain controls our heartbeat, respiration and digestion and makes us the planet's most intelligent species. But it needs exercise and a health diet to operate at the highest level. Follow the tips below to boost your brain power.
Get moving
Exercise boosts mental power by increasing circulation, sending oxygen and nutrients to the brain.
People who jogged for 30 minutes twice a week were better able to recall images and carry out visual tasks like map reading.
Eat more chocolate
Scientists found those who ate milk chocolate scored higher in computerised verbal and visual memory tests than they had before eating chocolate.
Dark chocolate improved reactions too. The results were due to nutrients in chocolate which increase the blood flow and help glucose release, improving overall brain function.
Chew gum
Chewing gum triggers insulin production which stimulates the part of the brain responsible for memory and raises heartbeat, improving circulation and speeding oxygen and nutrients to your brain.
Use sage
Taking Sage Leaf extract daily improves memory and may help people with Alzheimer's disease.
Do puzzles
People who are most mentally active - reading, doing puzzles and playing games - have a 50 per cent lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
Think younger
Researchers asked people to play a game which involved some of them using words such as "grey", "wise" and "wrinkle" 0 then when secretly filmed leaving the session, those who had dealt with the age-related words walked more slowly.
Reduce stress
A little stress stimulates your mind, however too much can, over time, affect the memory. Take a walk in fresh air or watch a feelgood film.
Take your fish oils
Fish oil increases concentration and slows the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
The Omega 3 oils in salmon, trout and mackerel help maintain brain cells.
Learn a new skill
Most of our learning is done before we are 30 but later learning is a great way to revive brain cells. Learning a new language, for example, forces your brain to keep switching tracks.
This exercises your brain's frontal lobes, which shrink with age.
Drink water
Your brain is made up of 80 per cent water - and mental performance decreases as dehydration increases.