Great article from Natalie Angier of the New York Times that discuses some of the scientific and sociological reasons for human-kinds love of alcohol.
Every human culture recorded has fermented some sort of beer, wine or spirit. According to Angier, even the first chocolate drinks were fermented, which certainly gives new meaning to the word “chocoholic.”
Back in the day sanitation wasn’t always so good, so people used booze to kill bacteria. It seems that those who chose to drink tended to live longer than their teetotaling brethren. This passed the proclivity to drink from generation to generation and here we are, at least in moderation.
Alcohol – An Ancient Medicine (Enjoy in Moderation) – Natalie Angier [New York Times]
