If you have ever dined in a Chinese restaurant, you will know that Chinese tea is normally offered, in copious amounts, together with your meal. We just assume it is served as an aid to wash down the spring rolls, chicken chow mein or fried rice. For most diners however, this piping hot beverage, which you can drink as much or as little of as you wish, is all part of the oriental dining experience. While the type of tea served in many Chinese restaurants tends to be strong and somewhat bitter, there are many other types of tea to suit almost any palate.

For some time, moderate consumption of wine has been acknowledged as beneficial. Red wine particularly is widely associated with reducing the chance of heart attack along with other positive effects. However, several studies have concluded that liquor offers many of the same benefits.