Image from aldrin_muya (Flickr)

Brain-enhancing potions and intellectually stimulating substances are usually the fictions of Harry Potter or deluded quack physicians. However, various studies have recently revealed that there are certain substances that can improve the general functionality of your brain and are actually quite easy to come by. Here are a few recommended chemicals that will keep your brain healthy and speedy, even as you age:

Magnesium

There are several easily acquired minerals that have a direct impact on intellect. Magnesium is present in such commonplace foods as broccoli and spinach. This magical mineral can have such advantageous effects as improving the learning abilities of young and old, and even delaying the injurious mental effects of ageing. Even so, generally speaking, people eat far too little of it – half of those in industrialised countries have a deficient daily intake. Many may double their daily broccoli portions after this new evidence brought forward by the ‘Neuron’ journal, which proves just how beneficial magnesium can be.

Chocolate

Simon Wootton and Terry Horne have recently written a book explaining the positive effects of dark chocolate, sex and cold-meat breakfasts. They talk about brain capacity in terms of the environment and lifestyle choices. Apparently, the nutritional value of dark chocolate, the energy-enhancing proteins in cold meats combined with the mental processes of copulating can be hugely beneficial for the intellect. These three components will also allegedly drive away age-related brain complaints. So, those who find love and follow a Scandinavian diet will certainly reap the rewards.

Noggin

No, this isn’t just slang for your head – it can also refer to a protein produced in the brain after physical exercise. Recent research shows that this substance acts against a ‘bone morphogenetic’ protein, which means that brain stem cells divide at a faster rate. The brain will then remain nimble as we grow older. People with more noggin will therefore be protected against the dreaded Alzheimer’s and other such brain diseases. So, the more exercise, the more noggin and therefore, the more brain power.

‘Eau de Mow’

It has recently been discovered that a little-known chemical is released when mowing the lawn. This substance apparently alleviates stress and makes people happy, beneficially targeting the areas of memory and emotion in the brain. They have even released a perfume called ‘Eau de Mow’ to de-stress yourself and those around you. Who wouldn’t want to buy that?

Vitamin D

Despite the many Soltan adverts that deeply discourage you from sitting in the sun, scientists have proven that the Vitamin D taken in while sunbathing is hugely brain empowering. It could prevent dementia, boost intellect and help you process information at a faster pace. Vitamin D is also found in certain types of oily fish.

Grey Matter

The more grey matter, the faster the brain functions. Research has shown that a simple game of Tetris can increase your levels of grey matter and, consequently, greatly improve brain power. Participants in a study played the rather addictive game for half an hour every day for three months. Scientists saw marked structural changes in the areas of subjects’ brains that deal with language, processing, critical thinking and movement. So, after you log in to Facebook and browse your online dating sites, have a quick game of Tetris!

If you can find all of these chemicals, you should have the brightest brain around and live to a ripe old age with all your mental capabilities still intact. It’s amazing what random activities can actually benefit your body.