The human brain is often touted as the most complex and mysterious organ in the human body. But recent scientific discoveries have uncovered some astounding truths about the inner workings of our minds that may surprise even the most knowledgeable. As we dive into the following 10 facts about the human brain, be prepared to have your understanding of the brain challenged and expanded.
It’s estimated that it takes an average of 17 years for a new medical discovery to go mainstream, which means that many facts about the brain have yet to find their place in the public’s awareness. Despite the many strides we’ve made in understanding the brain, it’s clear that the human brain is still quite a mystery.
Challenge yourself to use the following brain facts to impress your friends and family and open a door to a world of endless possibilities:
- An astounding 95% of all decisions are made subconsciously, revealing the immense power of the subconscious mind.
- Headaches are caused by a chemical reaction in the brain, in conjunction with the muscles and nerves of the neck and head, illuminating the intricate connections between the brain and the body.
- The brain releases different strengths of brainwaves depending on whether you lived through a situation or only witnessed it, highlighting the brain’s ability to process and interpret experiences in different ways.
- The human attention span is shorter than a goldfish, but did you know that vitamin B1 can help improve short- and long-term memory, highlighting the importance of nutrition in cognitive function?
- Five minutes without oxygen can cause brain damage, emphasizing the crucial role of oxygen in brain function.
- Learning new things increases gray matter in the brain, revealing the brain’s remarkable capacity for growth and adaptation.
- The average human brain has 50,000-70,000 thoughts a day, showcasing the brain’s constant activity and inner workings.
- The brain starts slowing down at around 24 years old, illustrating the importance of lifelong learning and keeping the brain active.
- 95% of all decisions are subconscious, reaffirming the immense power of the subconscious mind.
Which one of these facts was new to you?