Brain power
It's more versatile than the most powerful computer. It processes thousands of pieces of information every day at record speed. Yet it's powered by little more than fats, protein and sugars. It's your incredible brain.
The average human brain weighs just 1.3 kilos yet packs in around 100 billion brain cells called neurons. Each neuron in the brain has 1 000 - 10 000 connections to other neurons. It's these connections that lie behind our thoughts, feelings, sensatons, memories and other mental activities.
Lifelong learning
Brain development starts before birth and its most rapid growth takes place during the first two years of life, as children learn to focus their eyes, co-ordinate their movements and understand language.
The brain achieves 90% of its full adult size by the time a child is five years old. When cell growth stops, thebrain develops further as the cells are organised and new connections made throughout our lives. So we can learn new languages and skills at any age.
Food for thought
Your brain makes up just 2% of the body's overall weight but uses up to 20% of the oxygen supply, 25% of the glucose supply (at rest) and 19% of the blood supply. It needs a continuous supply of energy and nutrients for good functioning, from childhood into adulthood.
Fatty acids are one important type of nutrient for the brain as they help in the communication between neurons. In fact, around 35% of the dry weight of the brain is made up of fatty acids. Make sure your family are getting enough fatty acids and other esssential brain nutrients such as B vitamins by including our Flora in your daily diet.
