[test1235]

>I'd say the fact that humans metabolize alcohol (have evolved it) it's a pretty good hint that there was an evolutionary pressure selecting for it.

I think this was something to do with the dark ages when in the western world, drinking water with alcohol was better than drinking water with bacteria and other pathogens.

Over in the east, alcohol tolerance is a lot lower (see 'asian blush') because they boiled water and drank tea instead.

This is what I've always understood - if anyone knows otherwise, I'd be happy to stand corrected.

I'm not sure if this study, or any comments here mentions asians or different ethnicities at all.

[davegardner]

> I think this was something to do with the dark ages when in the western world, drinking water with alcohol was better than drinking water with bacteria and other pathogens.

I've read recently that this has been debunked. See http://leslefts.blogspot.com.au/2013/11/the-great-medieval-w....

Edit: As pointed out by thisjepisje, it was on HN - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=9031856

[thisjepisje]

There was an article on HN yesterday called "the medieval beer myth" or something like that.