German scientists explain why beer makes us happier (3 photos)

We know that after a couple of glasses of beer, the world around us becomes a better place, people are nicer, and problems seem less insurmountable. Of course, we attribute this effect solely to the alcohol contained in the foamy drink. But scientists from the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg studied beer and its effects on humans and made an important discovery. It turns out that alcohol plays a secondary role, and it's an entirely different substance that makes us happy.





After a thorough study of several dark and light beers, as well as numerous blood tests taken from people of different genders, ages, and levels of beer intoxication, the researchers discovered that hordenine was the culprit.



This is one of 13,000 substances found in regular beer, but it specifically acts on the dopamine D2 receptor. This effect is what gives us that joyful and light feeling we previously attributed solely to the alcohol in beer.

Hordenine is an analogue of our happiness hormone, dopamine, but it is found in barley malt. Incidentally, because this substance is supplied from outside and gradually, it reaches the reward center of our brain via a different pathway. Because of this, its effects are much more profound and lasting than dopamine.



So now, after drinking a good beer, you should realize you're not getting drunk, you're just getting happier, and everything is going as it should, according to the laws of science. I wonder if the beer the Finns brew with goose droppings has the same properties?