How much of our brain do we use?

The human brain is complex and mysterious. This may be why questions and misconceptions about how the brain works persist. Many people are curious about what percentage of our brain we use. The answer is all of it! How much of your brain you are using at any given time varies depending on what you are doing or thinking, but is not true that humans only use a small part of the brain's power.

The popular belief that we only use 10 per cent of our brain leads people to speculate that how we could tap into a deep well of potential if only we could use our brain's full capacity. But the only time certain regions of the brain are unused is when brain damage or disease has destroyed those areas.

Decades of studying the human brain and its abilities have shown scientists that every part of the brain has a purpose and is critical to human function. While there is still much to learn, there is also a lot of support for these claims.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) allows scientists to investigate how the brain works in a noninvasive way. They can view how blood and oxygen are moving in the brain while a human test participant is performing various mental tasks (or even just resting). These tests make it clear that large regions of the brain are at work during all kinds of activity.2

Researchers have not found any region of the brain that does not serve a function. A study of medical myths noted that "numerous types of brain imaging studies show that no area of the brain is completely silent or inactive."

The effects of brain damage, whether caused by injury, stroke,4 or diseases such as dementia, show how important all parts of the brain are. There isn't a single area of the brain that can be damaged without resulting in some sort of consequence.

Neuroscientists note that the human brain is proportionally larger than the brains of other animals, even our close primate relatives. We would not have evolved such large brains if we were only using a tiny portion of them.6

The brain uses approximately 20 per cent of the body's energy, even though it makes up much less than 20 per cent of total body mass. As with brain size, evolutionary theory suggests that it would make little sense for the body to spend a large portion of its energy resources on an organ that's mostly unused.

While our bodies already do a good job of using all parts of the brain, there are steps we can take to keep our brains healthy and strong. Maintaining good overall health can help slow brain aging and even protect against Alzheimer's disease.

Research suggests that certain micronutrients can play a role in brain health. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, such as vitamin E and beta carotene, can help protect against many chronic diseases and also promote a healthy brain. You'll find antioxidants in brightly colored fruits and vegetables, such as blueberries, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

Omega-3 fatty acids, which are most commonly found in fish, are also essential to brain health. Try to consume at least two servings a week, or talk to your doctor about whether fish oil supplements are right for you. You've seen the apps that promise to stop your brain from aging. There is some truth to their claims; cognitive training does help reduce the risk of dementia.

verywellmind