Applause! Scientists confirm that drinking beer makes you happier and healthier than abstainers

Beer drinkers have better mental and physical health than teetotalers and ex-drinkers, scientists have found.

People rate their health and happiness higher when they enjoy a pint or two, according to a team from the University of Murcia in Spain.

The researchers analyzed data from 33,185 respondents to the country’s 2012 and 2017 national health surveys to see how beer consumption was related to self-reported health.

The study found that moderate drinkers enjoyed higher rates of good physical health, rating it at 80 percent compared to half of those who abstained.

Meanwhile, 90 percent rated their mental health as “good” compared to 80 percent of non-drinkers, The Sun reports.

People rate their health and happiness higher when they enjoy a pint or two, according to a team from the University of Murcia in Spain

While heavier drinkers rated their health better, experts warned it was a “double-edged habit” as they ate more fast food and smoked more.

Those who enjoy drinking were also only half as likely to suffer from “physical limitations” in their daily lives than those who didn’t – 15 percent versus 30 percent.

But while drinkers were also more likely to exercise, it was found that they ate fewer fruits and vegetables than non-drinkers.

One of the study’s authors, Professor Ernesto De la Cruz-Sánchez, said: “Beer consumption shows better indicators of physical, mental and emotional health than in teetotalers and ex-drinkers.

“Research shows that low doses of alcohol can improve heart health and the immune system.”

The study also found that men are more likely to identify as moderate and heavy beer drinkers, while women are more likely to be abstainers and occasional drinkers.

It was also highlighted that beer, the most popular alcoholic drink in the world, usually has a relatively low alcohol content.

One of the study’s authors, Professor Ernesto De la Cruz-Sánchez, said: “Beer consumption shows better indicators of physical, mental and emotional health than in teetotalers.”

And while the results may seem cause for celebration for many, the high calorie content in pints has recently drawn calls from the shadow health secretary to make people more aware of what they are consuming.

Four pints of BrewDog Punk IPA can provide half a day’s calories, MailOnline found in a recent poll of the worst obnoxious beers.

Another recent study that reviewed the results of 107 alcohol health surveys also found that many were flawed.

The review authors say the included studies have several shortcomings, and they would still suggest that moderate amounts of alcohol carry a small risk of serious diseases like cancer.

Moderate alcohol consumption is often defined as two standard glasses of alcohol per day for women and three glasses for men.