Those who have only one thing in mind when they look at members of the opposite sex while drinking alcohol are often described as wearing ‘beer goggles’.
Now a study suggests it could be more than just an embarrassed excuse for the over-amorous – and that the effect may be greater on women than on men.
Researchers found that downing half a litre of beer makes us less shy about sex and more attracted to happy faces.
The study of 60 volunteers aged between 18 and 50 found drinking beer made it easier for them to view sexual images – a sign of inhibitions being lost.
This was particularly true for women, attributed to them having a higher concentration of alcohol in the blood after the same intake. However, there was no noticeable change in levels of sexual arousal in either sex.
Another effect of beer drinking was a boost in positive behaviour. After downing half a litre of beer, study participants were more attracted to happy faces and social situations.
Lead researcher Professor Matthias Liechti, from Basel University Hospital in Switzerland, said: ‘We found that drinking a glass of beer helps people see happy faces faster and enhances concern for positive emotional situations.
‘Alcohol also facilitates the viewing of sexual images, consistent with disinhibition, but it does not enhance sexual arousal.’
The study is published in the journal Psychopharmacology.
Daily Mail