By all accounts, the human brain is the most powerful supercomputer in the world, and most of us aren’t even aware of it.

Even the massive supercomputers in the world that can process endless amounts of calculations pale in comparison to what our brain can accomplish daily – and it’s not just about numbers.

The brain can capture memories, work out problems, provide sensory data that we can understand, and manage our body’s more important functions; all without our conscious intervention.

The brain is the reason that we’ve managed to conquer our planet; that we’re able to fly across the world in planes and jets, and why we can boot up a computer to communicate across the world using the Internet.

It can help us specialise certain tasks, it can compartmentalise memories and perceptions, and it can help us with most problems we face: whether it’s working out a maths sum, deciphering a code, and even calculating something like a bet for sports betting NZ.

These are some truly amazing facts about the brains we use every day.

5. The Neurons

What makes the brain tick are specialised cells called neurons, and they perform a range of different functions.

The average brain contains roughly 100 billion neurons in total, and they allow us to retain memories, compiles comprehensive thoughts, and are responsible for our consciousness. The extremely common myth that we only use 10 per cent of our brains is just that: a myth.

We use the totality of our brain, and but our conscious thoughts and ideas make up about 10 per cent of our overall consciousness.

4. The Brain and Pain

Our brains contain no pain receptors, meaning that grey matter does not have any way of feeling discomfort of pain.

Headaches are almost always caused by pressure in the cranium – and this pressure causes the pain receptors in the inner lining of our skulls to convey pain.

3. The Demanding Brain

Brains are the most resource-intensive organs in our body, using roughly 20 per cent of all our oxygen, and the most nutrients of any part of the body.

They need this extra energy, however, as the many abilities of the brain means it constantly requires nourishment to stay healthy and strong.

2. Thirsty Brains

The average brain is made up of around 75 per cent water, roughly the same water to matter ratio of our body.

The extra water is important, as it allows for a suitable environment for the neurons, and for oxygen to move around more efficiently. This is why dehydration starts to affect our brain straight away, often before other organs.

1. Dreaming

Dreams are a combination of psychological and neurological factors, as well as imagination.

Scientists aren’t exactly sure why we dream, but it might have something to do with what’s going on in our lives at any given moment, even if the dreams are vague.

It may also be tied to any trauma we suffered in life, or anxiety for something stressful in the coming future.