Although the brain accounts for only 2 percent of the body s total weight, it consumes approximately 25 percent of the oxygen that is taken in. A proper supply of oxygen is critical for proper brain function. The brain is the body s most sensitive organ to oxygen deprivation. Today the effects of smoking, pollution, and stress can diminish brain function and compromise mental alertness. One reason many people suffer from memory loss is an insufficient supply of necessary nutrients to the brain.
Blood literally feeds and nourishes every cell within our bodies.
The brain is surrounded by the blood-brain barrier, which allows only certain substances to pass from the bloodstream to the brain. Over time, this can result in the brain becoming malnourished. This is not necessarily true. The aging process itself has little, if any, bearing on the ability to recall information. Occasional memory lapses are a natural, but with proper diet and nutrition, the memory should remain sharp and active into one s nineties and beyond.