People who live in colder climates just drink more Booze But Why?

A new study makes it official: as to why people drink more when it’s cold out let it be summer or winter, drinking booze is always a good time. But do you catch yourself lifting the bottle a little harder when it’s cold out? 

I mean, I know I do. It might be cold outside, but after my insides get a tasty hug from a glass of whiskey or Red Wine, it sure feels a little warmer. If you’re the same way, science finally has an explanation for this habit. 

According to a new study, people who live in colder climates drink more alcohol than those reside in warmer places.

The reason? Booze is a vasodilator, which means it widens and relaxes blood vessels and increases blood flow. Obviously, when blood flow increases you feel warmer which in why people consume more alcohol when it’s freezing outside.

This is nothing new, though we all know the deliciously warm and tingly sensation that only comes  from alcohol. It’s something everyone assumed from decades says lead author Ramon Bataller of the Pittsburgh Liver Research Centre. Do you think people in Russia drink a lot because it’s cold? Everybody assumes it. 

Anyway, for the study, published in the scientific Journal Hepatology, researchers analysed data from 193 countries using data from the World  Health Organization  and World Meterological Organization In order to assess the relationship between climate and alcohol consumption per capita.

As expected, the scientists discovered a Negative correlation between climate and alcohol consumption, meaning that as average temperature and sunlight decreased total alcohol intake per person, the percentage of the population that drinks and the incidence of binge drinking increased.

Now, there’s also the question of shorter hours of sunlight leading to depression, which also sees an increase in alcohol consumption. This is a very valid and plausible explanation, but with all things considered, the main reason for this increase in Boozing is probably because it’s super cold out and alcohol is warm and fun.

However, there is one grim finding. This increase in alcohol consumption also leads to a higher Incidence of the Liver Disease of Cirrhosis, which can be fatal. This weather related alcohol consumption is directly linked to our chances of developing the most dangerous form of liver disease cirrhosis which is fatal.