The Super Bowl Can Make You Smarter (If You Try)

It's another day closer to Super Bowl Sunday and preparations for this national holiday are in full swing. The Super Bowl teams are in full practice and game planning mode. Football puns are flying, such as "Throw a winning Game Day bash!," "Score points at your Super Bowl feast with these cookbook ideas," "Tackling the game day festivities," and -- for a two-point conversion by the Food Network -- "Host a big-game blowout with our fumble-proof recipes."

According to Coolest Party Ideas, fans are urged to send party invitations that say "Get your head in the game!," "Grab your seats on the 50 yard line!" and "Are you ready for some football?"

But my question is: are you ready to get smarter?

If so, take time during this commercial break to discover these secrets to gaining intelligence on Super Bowl Sunday.

Secret #1: Watch the Game.

Okay, so the Super Bowl isn't always the most fascinating sports event. Um, sometimes the wheels do come off. That said, it is equally true that, in any given year, the world can be treated to the Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat. In other words, to a duel worthy of an awesome John Facenda, "Voice of the NFL," narration and lots of slo-mo shots to big music.

If your goal, however, is to get smarter, whether the show is good or bad, the first thing you have to do is watch the game.

Scientists at the University of Chicago have found that just watching sports changes neural networks in the brain that support language comprehension. In fact, watching and talking about a sports event increases "activity in the brain regions usually used to plan and select well-learned physical actions." The researchers described this effect as a "brain boost" and that's about all we need to know right now.

So, on Super Bowl Day, watch the game. Get smarter.

Secret #2: Surf the internet while watching the game.

If you want to take your brain game to the next level on Super Bowl Sunday, surf the internet while watching the big game. At least if you are a "computer-savvy middle-aged [or] older adult" (their terms, not mine), UCLA researchers found that surfing the internet engaged more neural circuitry in the brain than reading.

As Bill Parcells once famously said, "That's a good thing, not a bad thing."

So, while you're watching the game, also head on over to NFL.com for football stats or ESPN for "NFL Teams, Scores, Stats, Standings and Rumors."

Go to Pro-Football Reference and gaze upon the complete Super Bowl history, including scores, Most Valuable Player, stadium, location and more. Or use Pro-Football Reference to answer those pesky questions that come up about coaches and draft choices over the years.

Check the weather in Tampa . Vote in fun online polls. Watch old Coors Light "Coach's Press Conference" commercials on YouTube, such as the famous Jim "Playoffs?" Mora, Bill Parcells and Dennis Green.

Or watch fake Coors Light "Coach's Press Conference" commercials, such as this one of Terrell Owens. Read---shameless plug--- "How to Settle the Manning versus Brady Question Once and for All (Maybe)."

The point is internet search engines are the new brain food. Just surf. While watching the game. Get smarter.

Secret #3: Socialize while surfing the internet and watching the game.

I think we all know intuitively that socializing makes you smarter. Now scientists agree. Researchers at the University of Michigan "found that people who engaged in social interaction displayed higher levels of cognitive performance than the control group. Social interaction aided intellectual performance."

As some would say, "Yeah, baby!" And which brings us to Secret #4 in the "Get Smarter on Super Bowl Sunday" game plan.

Secret #4: Eat lots of wings, nacho cheese dips, pickles, guacamole, and chocolate while socializing, surfing the internet and watching the game.

You think I am making this up?

Scientists at the University of Cambridge found that eating foods rich in tryptophan, such as poultry, cheese and chocolate, can boost serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a "chemical messenger between cells" that, among other things, helps people make smarter decisions. Fruits and veggies on deck? Even better.

So bring on the Food Network Grilled Vietnamese-style Chicken Wings, Chorizo, Bean and Cheese Nachos, and the Guac of Fame. The Peanut Brittle and the Deep-fried Pickles (my personal favorite). Mexican Shrimp Pizza. Bay Shrimp with Cream Cheese and Cilantro. Super Bowl Turkey Chili.

And don't forget the chocolate: Super Bowl Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes. Super Bowl Chocolate Pot de Crème. Super Bowl Mint Chocolate Brownies.

There you have it: the four secrets to how you can gain intelligence while your team (you hope) is gaining yards. The Super Bowl can indeed make you smarter---if you try.

Sources:

J. M. Hirsch, "Score points at your Super Bowl feast with these cookbook ideas," Salt Lake Tribune.

"Super Bowl Party Playbook: Tackling the game-day festivities," Chow.

"Super Bowl Themed Party," Oriental Trading.

"Top Recipes: Super Bowl Party," Food Network.

"Super Bowl Party Ideas: Invitations," Coolest Party Ideas.

"Playing, And Even Watching, Sports Improves Brain Function," Science Daily.

"Searching The Internet Increases Brain Function," Science Daily.

NFL.

ESPN.

"History of the Super Bowl," Pro-Football Reference.

"Coors Light Commercial: Jim Mora," YouTube.

"Coors Light Commercial: Bill Parcells," YouTube.

"Coors Light Commercial: Dennis Green," YouTube.

"Coor Light Commercial (Parody): Terrell Owens," YouTube.

B. A. Rogers, "How to Settle the Manning versus Brady Question Once and for All (Maybe)," Associated Content.

"Serotonin Link To Impulsivity, Decision-making, Confirmed," Science Daily.

"Super Bowl Turkey Chili," DIY Network.

"Super Bowl Chocolate Guinness Cupcakes," Celebrations.

"Super Bowl Chocolate Pot de Crème," Yahoo.

"Super Bowl Week Mint Chocolate Brownies," Slashfood.