Why our brains gain in size by having sex

There is no denying that there have been many breakthroughs in science. One of those is that humans have the power to increase their own brain size - and you can do it by having sex! 

Like strengthing any muscle, helping your brain to improve will make a variety of things we do every day to become more manageable. 

So why isn't everyone doing it? You may already be doing one or two without realising, but if you want to grow your brain, try these 10 easy ways.

Yoga 

Combining breathing, holding positions, and the calming meditation element protects the brain's integrity whilst thickening the cerebral cortex. 

Brain scans show that it positively affects the chemistry in your brain and can build areas of grey matter that help you improve and process pain, increase memory, and reduce emotional problems.

Meditation 

Similarly to yoga, meditation can also positively improve the brain's structure. 

A breakthrough study in 2011 at Harvard and Massachusetts General Hospital showed that following guided meditation and mindfulness-based stress reduction led to measurable changes. 

An MRI scanner can detect these changes in just eight weeks, and the individual will generally notice improved memory.

Juggling 

Many would argue that they are struggling to juggle life, but why not try and improve that by actually juggling. 

The inside of the brain can be seen to bulk up on both grey and white matter by trying this skill. 

White matter bulks up a lot in the brain's parietal lobe, which helps with exceptional awareness and processing of touch.

Power Nap 

This is one of the easiest ways to increase the power of the human brain. 

Having a short nap can obviously reduce tiredness, but it can also improve thinking, reasoning, and memory function.

Play an instrument 

It may seem like a bit of an effort but a great one for anyone, especially if you start young. 

Long-term musical training results in better processing of sensory information of several senses all at once. The brain changes with musical training and improves cognitive and sensory skills. 

Training before the age of seven is believed to create more white matter, which means the brain infrastructure is more well-connected in adulthood.

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Omega-3s 

Having Omega 3 fatty acids within the body link to bigger brains. 

A study taken in 2014 showed that those with twice the levels of omega 3in their body had a larger brain volume than those with lower levels. It is thought to improve memory and the body's nutrients.

Sex 

Regularly having sex increases libido and is an easy and natural way to increase neurons. 

Sex creates new neurons and improves the function of existing neurons in the body. Furthermore, it is proven that sex can help preserve long-term memory during high-stress times.

Cardio 

In older adults, exercise can increase brain structure and function. Still, the most significant increase comes from cardio and HIIT-type exercises.

In 2006, a study found that regular exercise increases grey and white matter. 

HIIT workouts burn more fat than traditional workouts and jogging each day results in new neuron growth.

Chewing Gum 

A shocking but uncomplicated way to increase brainpower is through chewing gum. 

In 2011 a study showed that if you chew gum for several minutes, you can boost your short-term memory for around 15 – 20 mins.

Intermittent Fasting

Intermittent fasting in women (if done safely and correctly) is known to help clear brain fog and boost overall brain function. 

As well as improving brain function, fasting can make you less insulin resistant, improve immunity, lower diabetes risk, and improve heart health.

By Sophie Blackman.