While the traditional glass (or pint) of beer after a long day of work is a great way to knock off the tension from the day, do you know why this is? Studies completed at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universitat Erlangen-Nurnberg (FAU for short!) in Germany have found that a chemical in beer activates the same dopamine receptors that release the ‘happy’ hormone when one is consuming a tasty bar of chocolate, a prime cut of steak, or a favorite piece of candy. That’s right, now we can scientifically support the need to have a cold brew at the end of the day–or at the beginning! The chemical, scientists discovered through research, that engages with the D2 dopamine receptor in the brain is called Hordeline. Hordeline is found in malted barley, a necessity for a tasty brew. Beer doesn’t always get its credit for being a drink that makes you happy, being that alcohol is a depressant and not a stimulant. Our Session readers, however, can now fire back with scientific proof the next time someone gives you a hard time about going for a drink. We give you permission to call it “therapy,” as long as you are drinking in moderation!
It is important to note, as do the scientists at FAU, that a beer or two can be great for both the mind and body, five or six (or more) could lead to problems with both the same mind and body! Keeping control over your desires to feel the happiness linked to the D2 dopamine receptor is the key. We believe you can do it. Enjoy your future “therapy” sessions.
CHEERS!
Reference
“https://nypost.com/2017/09/28/scientists-confirm-the-obvious-drinking-beer-makes-you-happy/”