Chocolate, Sex and Laughter

image

It has long been thought that the key to a nimble brain lies in good genes.
But the secret to a healthy mind appears to lie in what is eaten to fuel the body and lifestyle choices, reveals new research. Dark chocolate and plenty of cold meat for breakfast top the list for boosting grey matter and the study also finds sex is essential for keeping the brain fit in later life. Those wishing to improve their mental power should avoid smoking cannabis, watching soap operas and hanging out with people who moan. While cuddling a baby, cheating at school, reading out-loud and doing a business degree at university are all good for an efficient mind. The latest theories, based on research from experts around the world, are contained in a new book entitled Teach Yourself: Training Your Brain. Author Terry Horne, a business lecturer at The University of Central Lancaster, said: "For decades we have thought that the cognitive capacity of our brains is genetically determined, whereas it's now clear that it's a lifestyle choice. "What we eat and drink, how we learn at school and what type of moods we have are all crucial. "People can make lifestyle choices that will not only prevent what used to be seen as an inevitable decline in cognitive [ability] after the age of 17 but will constantly increase our cognitive capacity throughout our adult lives." The book contains mental exercises and radical thinking on how diet, the environment, stress and other aspects of modern life affect our mental capacity. It claims that sex has a positive impact on the mind - listing seven different chemical reactions that the brain undergoes during intercourse which improve its functioning ability. For instance, raised levels of oxytocin - or the "trust" hormone - during sex increase a person's readiness to think of novel or risky solutions to a problem. While the post-coital rise in serotonin levels aids both creative thinking and calm, logical decision-making. Elements in dark chocolate also prove beneficial. Magnesium and antioxidant flavonols or chemicals increase the supply of oxygen to the brain and reduce the chances of brain damage through a stroke. Ditching a low-fat diet is also recommended to boost performance - as is working with classmates or colleagues, as opposed to alone, and reading aloud. A happy confident and optimistic nature also helps the brain - as does avoiding negative, depressed people and those who regularly moan. The book recommends that, instead of trying to find perfect happiness, people should instead seek a new concept - known as BLISS. This involves body-based pleasure, laughter, involvement, satisfaction and sex - which all enable the mind to perform well. Mr Horne added: "Mix with people who make you laugh, have a good sense of humour or who share the same interests as you, and avoid people who whinge, whine and complain, as people who are negative will make you depressed." Research shows that most people only use three to four per cent of their total supply of brain cells. But a study of undergraduates who followed the book's advice showed that many experienced a large increase in cognitive fitness - enough to make the difference between getting an average job and a top job.

0
comments
Home
Showbiz
Femail
Sport
NEXT STORIES1/30

How your daily cuppa could beat glaucoma: Just one brew could help reduce chance of the serious eye condition by 74%

Scorching hot flushes, low moods and aching bones. Sky News star JACQUIE BELTRAO reveals how the breast…

Stop sleeping with your cell phone: Anything closer than arm's length could cause cancer and infertility, health officials warn

Puppy cuddling crisis continues: Dozens more dog owners infected with virus from hugging their pets, CDC reveals

Why there's no place like home for the holidays: A psychologist breaks down your emotional ties to where…

Pictured: The tiny sextuplets born to Alabama mother-of-three who describes their roster of VERY quirky names

Ask the pharmacist: Can vitamin supplements cause heartburn?

Indian doctors remove a 3kg tumour that had been 'slowly growing' inside a 65-year-old man for his…

Why club drug ketamine could treat depression: Horse tranquilizer quells suicidal thoughts in sufferers, new study explains

Zika babies two years on: From seizures to blindness, a CDC report reveals the painful struggles of the…

Why your manicure could leave you at risk of hepatitis C and allergies: Foreign technicians are failing to…

Robbery victim, 23, left blind after being shot in the face, has the 3cm-long bullet pulled out through his…

Leading Canadian gynaecologist claims British medical professor repeatedly groped her BREASTS in…

Revealed: The lipstick mistakes that add 10 years to your face - including using too much gloss (so how…

Italian family are unable to feel pain and even SKI on broken legs due to a genetic mutation that gives…

An energy drink can contain up to 20 TEASPOONS of sugar, reveal campaigners as they call for a ban on…

Grandmother with dementia 'gets her spark back' by volunteering at a nursery school after her…

Furious campaigners blast the 'weak' decision by the Government's health watchdog to…

Young children who grow up exposed to air pollution are more likely to develop asthma due to their undeveloped lungs, study finds

AI brain chips will 'evolve' humanity into a 'community of ZOMBIES' who are indistinguishable from robots, expert claims

Facial oil devised by a Cambridge scientist becomes an overnight success as women claim it reduces…

Indian woman, 24, who was shunned and bullied because she has white skin, ginger hair, emerald eyes and…

AI brain chips will create a new breed of superhumans who can 'communicate via TELEPATHY’

Could cannabis be a CURE for psychosis? Key compound in the drug has been found to ease…

'Selfitis' is a genuine mental disorder: Psychologists have created a behaviour test to decide…

Loneliness is as bad for health as smoking 15 a day: Nine million adults suffer from isolation that…

Filled with Christmas cheer: Girl, 7, who was diagnosed with leukaemia is making 65 festive…

Radiation from travelling to Mars would damage astronaut's bones, study warns

Don't let your children drink wine with a meal: Report says it is a myth that letting under-14s have alcohol with food prevents bingeing

Patients hit by norovirus up 70% in a week: More than 1,300 cases recorded putting further pressure on…

How your daily cuppa could beat glaucoma: Just one brew could help reduce chance of the serious eye condition by 74%

Scorching hot flushes, low moods and aching bones. Sky News star JACQUIE BELTRAO reveals how the breast…
by Taboola Sponsored Links FROM THE WEB
Quiz: Test Your Mental Wealth
SunTrust
15 Insanely Cool Products That Are Selling Like Crazy
Practically Best
This Is The Real Reason That 'Bewitched' Was Cancelled
DirectExpose
How Much Should An Engagement Ring Cost?
Blue Nile - Jewelry
17 Actors You Didn't Know Were Gay - No. 8 Will Shock Women
IFLMyLife
3 Things to Do Before a Cancer Appointment
Ready. Raise. Rise.
MOST READ NEWS1/18
Brexit has been dealt a fresh blow after the majority of Britons want now to remain in the European Union, a new poll has revealed
Britons now back Remain over Leave by TEN POINTS in biggest lead since before referendum', says new poll in...
Soldiers carry the coffin of late Romanian King Michael during a funeral ceremony in Bucharest
Honoured guests: Prince Charles joins royal elite at funeral for Romania's Michael I as tens of thousands mourn...
Honey and Barry Sherman, Chairman and CEO of Apotex Inc., are shown at the annual United Jewish Appeal (UJA) fundraiser in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, August 24, 2010
Billionaire pharmaceutical magnate 'killed his wife, hung her body from railings next to their indoor pool then...
Bethany Lynn Stephens, 22, was found mauled to death two days after having taken her dogs out for a walk. Her two pit bulls were found aggressively guarding her body in the woods
Animal lover, 22, is mauled to death by her OWN pit bulls after taking them out for a walk: Father finds killer...
The Young-Wilcock family are pictured with their new-born Brodey who was born on Tuesday weighing 12lb and 13oz
He’s a Christmas corker! 12lb baby is the biggest to be born at a hospital in a decade (but he doesn’t seem too...
An infectious disease has broken out in Surrey with 18 confirmed cases of Shigellosis among children and pre-school age children
Health warnings are issued as schoolchildren fall ill in outbreak of…
A group of women take on the cold in Newcastle as they move between venues on the biggest night of the year for office parties
We're Christmashed! Revellers embrace Mad Friday across Britain on the biggest (and booziest) night of the year...
Chateau Louis XIV became the world's most expensive home when it sold for $300million back in 2015, and now the buyer has been revealed as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Saudi royal heir behind recent purges is revealed as the buyer of world's most expensive home after spending...
One letter adopted a menacing tone, telling Santa: 'You better bring my pony this year or there WILL be consequences'
'Enough chit-chat, Santa, let's get down to business': Pushy children's hilarious letters to Father Christmas...
Paul Millea (pictured), 36, was repeatedly knifed by Philip Daniels because he suspected he was having affair with his pregnant girlfriend Kayleigh Maylor. He rang 999 almost straight away, but was put on hold for 40 minutes, despite repeatedly saying 'I'm going to die'
'I'm going to die': Stabbed father was told to 'hold the line' for 40 MINUTES after dialling 999 as he lay...
Sacked ESPN reporter Britt McHenry (pictured) who has has been in the news for her insults, and less reporting on anything- caught the ire of Kacy Sager, daughter of legendary broadcaster Craig Sager on the one-year-anniversary of her father's death
'You p****d away your career being a spoiled brat': Craig Sager's daughter DESTROYS axed ESPN reporter Britt...
The deputy speaker of the House of Commons has paid tribute to his 'beautiful daughter' after she unexpectedly died aged 28 on Thursday
'Beautiful' daughter of Commons Deputy Speaker is found dead in mysterious circumstances as her mother calls on...

Harry and Meghan’s £1bn wedding gift to Britain: Party weekend to celebrate their marriage (and the FA Cup...
Billericay Town FC cheerleader Rebecca Batchelor (pictured outside court) avoided jail after spending her ex-boyfriend's scam money on holidays and shopping sprees
Billericay Town FC cheerleader, 21, who lived a 'lavish' lifestyle with money from fraudster ex-boyfriend's scam...
Twitter users slammed Ivanka Trump Friday (pictured Thursday at an event in Washington D.C.) after she sent her well wishes to soon-to-be-married Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
'Dear Kremlin Barbie: still not getting an invite': Ivanka Trump comes under attack on Twitter for wishing...
'Still praying for our little town. Winds picked up this morning creating a perfect storm of bad for firefighters,' Oprah said on Twitte
Oprah, Rob Lowe and Katy Perry's family are among thousands evacuated as fire bigger than NYC surrounds wealthy...
Mohamed Qoomaal, 72, (pictured centre) had pension credit payments sent to him for two-and-a-half years and a mystery person enjoyed rent-free living in his council-funded home
African asylum seeker, 72, who scammed taxpayers out of £40,000 of benefits after he fled BACK to his Somali...
Authorities in Colorado released body cam footage on Thursday from a fatal shooting of a former sheriff's deputy just outside of office headquarters this past October. Mark Bidon, 50, is seen above moments before he was shot dead by sheriff's deputies in Arapahoe County
'Don't move one inch. I'm serious, OK?': Body cam video shows moment a former deputy with a '1,000-yard stare'...
Brexit has been dealt a fresh blow after the majority of Britons want now to remain in the European Union, a new poll has revealed
Britons now back Remain over Leave by TEN POINTS in biggest lead since before referendum', says new poll in...
Soldiers carry the coffin of late Romanian King Michael during a funeral ceremony in Bucharest
Honoured guests: Prince Charles joins royal elite at funeral for Romania's Michael I as tens of thousands mourn...
DON'T MISS
This Incredible App Is Simplifying Diabetes Treatment
Dexcom
by Taboola Sponsored Link

'The marriage is definitely over': Ant McPartlin's wife Lisa Armstrong 'tells friends she fears they'll divorce'... as Dec 'acts as a go-between'

Strictly Come Dancing: 'I can't believe we did it!' Elated Joe McFadden and sobbing Katya Jones are crowned the winners during glittering Grand Final

Strictly Come Dancing: 'The trained ballerina does ballet - how is that fair?' Debbie McGee wows the judges with stunning showdance... but viewers are furious

'It's been a tough journey' Teary Alexandra Burke's grief over mum Melissa's death after scoring perfect 40 in final... yet she misses out on trophy

Strictly Come Dancing: Karen and Kevin Clifton take to the ballroom floor with different dance partners for a second week in final amid 'marital woes'

How Heston Blumenthal has teamed up with Waitrose to help give your Christmas food an unexpected twist this festive season

'They seem very happy together': Cindy Crawford's daughter Kaia Gerber, 16, 'dating' EastEnders star Patsy Palmer's son Fenton, 17 A model relationship

Strictly Come Dancing: Two stars who enjoyed a 'steamy one-night stand after live show are mortified' after their identities are leaked on Twitter

Licking your wounds? Glamorous Alexandra Burke joins leggy Gemma Atkinson as they head to afterparty after JUST missing out on Strictly trophy

Paso the tissues! Gemma Atkinson bursts into tears after last dance with partner Alijaz Skorjanec... as she misses out on Strictly win
New Diabetes Management Technology Helps This Dancer's Show Go On
Dexcom
by Taboola Sponsored Link

Strictly Come Dancing: Joe McFadden will receive a HUGE £100k paycheck after being crowned show winner... as contestants pay is revealed

CBB teases first look at seven female housemates... as fans speculate that Louise Thompson and Wayne Rooney's party girl Laura Simpson will star

Love Island's Camilla Thurlow and Jamie Jewitt put on a united front during cosy family dinner... just days after THAT explosive row Flashed matching grins

Wayne Rooney's party girl Laura Simpson puts on a busty display in frilled jumpsuit on night out in Manchester... amid rumours she will appear in CBB

Jesy Nelson flaunts her hourglass curves in red PVC bodysuit as she parties at Jade Thirwall's 25th drag-inspired birthday bash

'All my babies together!!' Victoria Beckham welcomes son Brooklyn, 18, back home to London for Christmas Their eldest boy returns to Chez Becks

Find the perfect Christmas present for gamers with huge savings in the GAME sale

Busty Kate Wright shows off her killer curves in plunging pinstripe playsuit as she dines at beau Rio Ferdinand's restaurant in Manchester

'Max goes on a murderous bender': EastEnders' Jake Wood promises 'most iconic Christmas episode ever' with vengeance on Ian Beale and Phil Mitchell
Discover Windows Defender For Your Business
Microsoft
by Taboola Sponsored Link

'My behaviour was dreadful, disgraceful and shocking': Coronation Street star, 34, apologises to women he groped on night out

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Newly single Charlotte Crosby passionately kisses Love Island's Joshua Ritchie after star-studded MMA fight after Bear split

PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Candice Swanepoel stuns in hot pink swimsuit on the beach in Brazil after confirming she's pregnant with second child

Justin and Selena jet off for romantic weekend... after Bieber shows off his VERY festively decorated SUV They recently started dating again

Leggy Mollie King and AJ Pritchard put on VERY cosy display as they leave hotel together... ahead of Strictly Come Dancing final

The full Kanye! Rapper finally makes his debut on the Kardashian Christmas card with Kim, North and Saint on Day 16 Very saintly background

Shirtless Simon Cowell hits the beach with swimsuit-clad girlfriend Lauren Silverman as they enjoy a jet ski ride on Barbados break He's very confident

Tess Daly oozes sex appeal in scarlet strapless jumpsuit as Claudia Winkleman dazzles in chic Bardot gown at Strictly Come Dancing final

Things are Hot-ting up Right Now! Smitten Rita Ora packs on the PDA with new rocker boyfriend Andrew Watt as they jet out of London Very cosy indeed
5 Risk Points To Avoid In Enterprise Security.
Microsoft
by Taboola Sponsored Link

Any day now! Pregnant Jessica Alba showcases bump in clingy navy dress for family outing... after revealing she sees a therapist

Peter Andre struggles to carry mountain of presents into his home as Junior and Princess join him for holidays... amid Katie Price's agony over dying mum Amy
Download These Apps

Free Mobile App
Download the latest mobile app today!

FREE
Promoted by Kixer

×
© Associated Newspapers Ltd
Contact usMobile apps
View desktop siteAdvertise with us
SyndicationTerms
Privacy & cookiesHow to complain

Sort:  

While cuddling a baby, cheating at school, reading out-loud and doing a business degree at university are all good for an efficient mind.

Congratulations @unknownfacts! You have completed some achievement on Steemit and have been rewarded with new badge(s) :

You published 4 posts in one day

Click on any badge to view your own Board of Honor on SteemitBoard.
For more information about SteemitBoard, click here

If you no longer want to receive notifications, reply to this comment with the word STOP

By upvoting this notification, you can help all Steemit users. Learn how here!