The brain is our most complex organ, which allows it to not work at full speed most of the time, as the heart has to, for example. The capacity of our brain is actually so large that it uses a very small part of its real capabilities to maintain the daily functions of the body. Simply because in most cases he doesn’t need to use more.
The average weight of our brain is about 2 kilograms – a weight that contains about 100 billion neurons and several times as many other types of cells. These are scientifically proven facts. However, the immensity of the brain’s functions is a reason, in addition to the scientific facts, to intervene in the description of its activity and a number of unconfirmed concepts, some of which are outright myths.
One of these myths is the claim that we only use an average of 10% of our brain’s potential.
According to official polls, more than half of the people believe in the truth of this statement. However, it is seriously questioned by some leading neuroscientists, including the team of the authoritative journal Scientific American. It, a study was recently published, proving that more than 50% of brain functions are maintained most of the time in an active state.
For the purpose of their study, the scientists used the results of imaging studies, for example, nuclear magnetic resonance (MRI), conducted on different people. Nuclear magnetic resonance allows us to measure brain activity at any given moment. Data from multiple reviewed MRI results show that even when performing elementary daily activities, our brain keeps most of its structures active even when there is no immediate need to use them. The situation is similar during sleep.
The percentage ratio of active brain structures at any given time varies from person to person, but it is certainly the same. It turns out that we actually use much more than the supposed 10% of our brain capacity, and this statement can certainly be counted among the debunked myths. The origin of this myth is still debated. One of the theories states that the cause of its appearance is the discovery that neurons in the brain make up about 10% of the total amount of cells in it.
However, for the moment, the truth of another interesting statement remains. It states that in some people the brain manages to use a much larger part of its capacity at any given time than in other people. The reasons for this phenomenon are yet to be revealed because they are already the subject of a number of studies.
Comfort for anyone who doubts that their brain is not working at full speed is the proven fact that with proper care and exercise, brain activity can be permanently enhanced. Thus, despite the inexorable passage of time, anyone can maintain an evergreen gray matter.