It is often said that we, as humans, only utilize 10 percent of our brain capacity. This is now generally considered to be a myth seeing as it's nearly impossible to calculate an accurate percentage when you factor in over 100 billion brain cells, neuronal and synaptic connections and the unique human ability to adapt and expand on such standards. That being said, most people do sell themselves short in a way. The article "How Much Brain Do We Use?" on Scienceray.com provides an appropriate analogy:
"Think of it this way. Let's say your brain is a stereo. When you are using your stereo you are using 100% of it. Here is the x factor. If the volume knob is set at say a 2 level then you are not getting the same usage when compared to turning the volume knob to 8 or 10."
In other words, much of the population's brains are at a volume level of 2 due to a combination of nutritional deficiency and a daily schedule of rote behavior that lets the brain revert to a sort of standby mode. Not to worry. Although modern society requires most citizens to lock themselves into rigid itineraries, a relatively recent European study shows that a little of the right vitamin supplementation can go a long way in terms of improving cognitive function.
According to "Higher Vitamin D Levels Associated With Speedier Brain Processing" by Dayna Dye in the September 2009 issue of Life Extension, "Dr. David M. Lee and his associates administered three tests of cognitive function to 3,369 men participating in the European Male Aging Study whose blood samples were analyzed for vitamin D. Men with higher vitamin D levels performed better on a test that measures psychomotor speed and visual scanning. Further analysis revealed that higher test scores were particularly associated with increased vitamin D levels in older participants."
Laypersons often refer to the human brain as a person's personal computer. And, it seems as if vitamin D supplements are not unlike computer upgrades allowing for more memory and faster operation in the face of inevitable aging. In many ways, this seems to be vitamin D's year. More and more studies have confirmed its value as an essential nutrient with extraordinary capabilities.
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