Dalai Lama controversy or not, scientists at last week's Society for Neuroscience meeting presented findings from a new study that shows that the brains of those who meditate regularly are shaped differently.

It's all about the cerebral cortex. Parts of this outer layer of the brain are thicker in those with a regular meditation practice, which may be why meditation leads to less stress and better overall health.

The really big news is that while these changes have already been discovered in the brains of monks, who dedicate hours and hours each day to meditation, the average meditating American may also have a thicker cerebral cortex.

Americans who meditate for just 45 minutes a day (six days a week), were shown to have thicker insulas, the area of the brain that is integral to processing thoughts and emotions.

“Studies have shown people who meditate are more relaxed, and skeptics will say, ‘Of course they’re more relaxed. They’re just sitting there,” said Sara Lazar, lead researcher of the study. “But sitting and relaxing in front of the TV doesn’t make your brain grow.”

[via LA Times]