Analyzing images of the brain, scientists at the Indiana University School of Medicine (USA) have shown that the taste of beer by itself (without alcohol) causes dopamine to be released in the brain , a neurotransmitter related to sensations enjoyable and motivating behaviors that can lead to addictive behaviors.
The authors of the study, published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology , observed with a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scanner the reaction of 49 men when they tasted 15 milliliters of beer, and compared it with the response of the men. same subjects when trying isotopic sports drinks, specifically Gatorade. Thus, they observed that the first produced a considerable increase in dopamine, and that the effect was greater when there was a family history of alcoholism. "The taste of the drink by itself, without the effect of alcohol, causes a significant discharge in the reward centers of the brain", explains David A. Kareken, co-author of the work. In addition, the subjects stated that they really wanted to drink "a beer" after tasting and "remembering" its taste, without the same happening with other drinks.
