Oxford professor claims alcohol key to mankind's survival

Robin Dunbar, an Oxford professor of evolutionary psychology believes alcohol is crucial to mankind’s survival.

Writing for the Daily Mail, Dunbar explains drinking with others is important and a powerful bonding experience.

"Friendships protect us against outside threats and internal stresses, and this has been key to our evolutionary success," he states in the report.

He goes on to say that the endorphin rush releases a feeling of happiness that is key to share real bonding experiences and a way for humans to trust one another.

"Of the many social activities that trigger the endorphin system in humans (they range from laughter to singing and dancing), the consumption of alcohol seems to be one of the most effective," Dunbar explained.

So why are these friendships vital for our survival? "One of the biggest surprises of the last decade or so has been the torrent of publications showing that our happiness, health and susceptibility to disease — even our speed of recovery from surgery and how long we live — are all influenced by the number of friends we have," he reveals.

Now if that's what science says, who wouldn't drink to that?