The Science of Scent II

by Shannon McKenzie

Although scents have highly personal associations, there are some generalizations we can make about scents that work for everyone. The following chart shows some scents and their psychological effects. Using these scents in conjunction with other stimulus can help us properly use our brain and achieve better results.

Reduce frustration, anxiety, fatigue - Peppermint, Cinnamon, Lavender

Refreshing - Peppermint, Rosemary, Juniper Berry, Lemon

Stimulating - Ginger, Spearmint, Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena, Cinnamon Leaf, Clove, Vanilla

Calming - Rosewood, Sandalwood

Energizing - Grapefruit, Orange, Lemon, Lime, Green Tea, Cinnamon, Marines/Aquatics

The Science of Scent

by Shannon McKenzie

"The scent of wine, oh how much more agreeable, laughing, praying, celestial and delicious it is than that of oil!"
Francois Rabelais

Rabelais had it right when he described wine as laughing and agreeable- many personal experiences with the spirited drink cause those emotions. Our personal experiences with scents are what form our attraction to them. Our brain stores smells and emotion in the same system of brain structures (the limbic system). Coincidentally, scents are also connected with our hippocampus, which forms new memories! 

No wonder scents so easily recall memories. In addition, a decline in smell can cause serious issues elsewhere- or can be a signal of other problems, such as depression, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's disease.

How can we use our scent capacity to help our brain? To retain information and recall that same information later, use aromatherapy while you study and bring something to the test that smells the same. The same method can be used to elicit a relaxed state of being- choose a distinct aroma and meditate. Use the same aroma repeatedly, and your scent memory will harken your zen mood.

SuperFoods for Your Brain

by Shannon McKenzie

Just like our bodies, our brains need special attention in order to remain healthy. Exercise and the right kinds of foods are the top two ways to keep your brain at its best.

Here are the best brain, foods, broken down by age group:

The Best Brain Food for Infants and Babies

Iron. By 5 or 6 months, babies have used up the iron stores they're born with and need to get iron from food or supplements to support brain development.
Food solutions: Iron-fortified cereals. Try these iron-rich recipes.

The Best Brain Food for Children and Teens:

School-aged children should start their day with low-glycemic-index breakfast foods. (They need morning fuel.)
Food solutions: Bran cereals, oatmeal or whole-wheat bagels. Try these oat-filled recipes.

The Best Brain Food for Young Adults:

Got iron? 10 percent of women are anemic, and new studies show that being even mildly iron-deficient affects learning, memory, and attention. Luckily, restoring iron levels to normal also restores cognitive function.
Food solutions: Dark leafy greens, beans, meat or soy. Try these leafy green recipes.

The Best Brain Food for Older Adults:

Eat your antioxidants. People who eat more brightly colored fruits and leafy vegetables have less cognitive decline than those who don't; antioxidants in produce may mop up free radicals and protect neurons from damage.
Food solutions: Berries and other fruits, greens and turmeric (which contains curcumin). Try these antioxidant-rich recipes.

The Best Brain Food for Pregnant Women:

Pregnant women who eat fatty fish, such as salmon, during their third trimester of pregnancy have babies who tend to perform better on cognitive tasks. Researchers think the omega-3 fatty acid DHA is needed during this time to build neurons and their connections.
Food solutions: Salmon and other fatty fish, DHA-fortified eggs and yogurt. Try these healthy salmon recipes.

Check out these brain-boosting recipes to incorporate all the foods above into your diet.  

Learning & Memory: Seeing Is Remembering

A study in the journal Neuron indicates that eye movements reveal unconscious memories, which the conscious mind cannot quite recollect. Researchers tracked eye movements and saw that their subjects’ gazes dwelled on the right answer even when they got the memory test wrong. Learn more.