It's National Beer Day, which seems like as good a reason as any to savour a pint of the amber nectar (though not Fosters, obviously – these days the selection on offer is much better than that).

And here's another: that same glass of beer could actually help you live longer.

Last year, a study of 80,000 adults conducted by the Pennsylvania State University found a pint or two a day could help reduce the risk of having a stroke or developing cardiovascular disease.

The research, conducted among Chinese adults, discovered that a moderate daily alcohol intake (most visible with beer) helps slow the decline of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, better than not drinking at all.

In fact, there are more surprising health perks hiding in your pint glass than you may think (though, of course, you should always drink in moderation) ...