http://www.fi.edu/learn/brain/carbs.html Please read the important article in the link.
Please note the following important ideas in that article.
“Glucose is the form of sugar that travels in your bloodstream to fuel the mitochondrial furnaces responsible for your brain power. Glucose is the only fuel normally used by brain cells. Because neurons cannot store glucose, they depend on the bloodstream to deliver a constant supply of this precious fuel.”
“Neurons, the cells that communicate with each other, have a high demand for energy because they’re always in a state of metabolic activity. Even during sleep, neurons are still at work repairing and rebuilding their worn out structural components.”
“Some interesting research has shown that mental concentration actually drains glucose from a key part of the brain associated with memory and learning – underscoring just how crucial this blood sugar is for proper brain function.”
“Glucose enhances learning and memory not only in rats but also in many populations of humans,” says Gold. “For schoolchildren, this research implies that the contents and timing of meals may need to be coordinated to have the most beneficial cognitive effects that enhance learning.”
Let me reiterate an idea.
1. To learn, think and remember we need a constant supply of blood sugar to the brain.
2. Fasting and empty stomachs are advised for yOga, prANAyAma and dhyAna. This is not merely for stomach flexibility. It is because for dhyAna your brain needs to shut up with its thoughts for a bit. And giving it less sugar with which to turn someraults is a plan!!
This one reason why early morning puja and meditation after cleaning and before breakfast is the best.
After breakfast your brain has lots of sugar to play with. And if you are too full, you are likely to fall asleep. For adhyayana or study its a good idea to eat food rich in complex carbohydrates about an hour before. Don’t skip meals before school and homework and tests.
satyA
photo by son.
