How much energy does thinking use?

Answer 1

OK, well the average adult consumes about 2000 calories per day (give or take). And the brain consumes about 20% of a person's energy intake. So the brain uses about 400 calories per day. Assuming you think all the time when you're awake, about 16 hours or so, or 960 minutes, it works out to about 1/2 calorie per minute.

Answer 2

Another way to think of this is to compare it to your computer. The brain is way more efficient in it's use of energy than your computer. Imagine how big a cooling fan you would need in your head if your brain wasted energy like your computer does.

I have heard, as others have said, that the brain uses about 20% of the energy consumed by the whole body. But then, the brain does a lot more than think. It does a lot of the work of keeping the whole body running so it is hard to say how much energy is really devoted to thinking. And, what counts as thinking? While your mind is wandering with random thoughts popping into your head, does that count as thinking?

Answer 3

What a good question.I asked this same question of a good friend of mine-Dr. Chang who is my Spirit Guide. He replied he doesn't think there is an actual measurement that could be calculated. But thinking does use up calories. He did say that the classic thinkers throughout time used their brain and minds so much, that their bodies remained in prime condition, although they never exercised. It is a fact that your mind dominates your body.Perhaps it is so today, but I think one would have to regulate their diet accordingly. I don't think the classic thinkers of yesteryear would last long on a diet of -fries, burgers, big macs or kentucky fried. Do You?

Answer 4

As Mark said, about 20 to 25% of total energy outlay is spent on the brain alone. A very expensive organ, so, use it well.

Answer 5

Based on the number of homework questions dumped on here, clearly way too much.

Answer 6

It depends on the size of your brain and what you are thinking about.