Tequila Health Benefits. Granted, the title is a bit catchy. And the topic is also surprising, isn’t it? However, you may well be thinking this is some sort of joke or click bait, right?
Nope. This is real.
After all, the consumption of tequila is a worthwhile topic with Mexico. It is important socially and economically south of the border. They don’t hide it either. Mexicans not only partake in tequila, they take pride in it. This is because tequila plays an integral role in Mexican culture and everyday life.
Tequila Rocks Rocky Point Mexico
There isn’t a spot called the Tekila Bar for nothing. Tequila is quite popular in Rocky Point Mexico. And don’t think it is just with the locals. Tourists consume plenty of tequila on their beach getaways. Look at it this way, if Puerto Peñasco had an official menu, some might put tacos or shrimp as the daily special. However, more than a few others would vote for “tequila.”
As for tequila health benefits, I’m not going to claim it is part of a nutritious breakfast. Nor will I say 9 out of 10 doctors recommend it. Nonetheless, you may want to reach for a slice of lemon or some salt because you’re in for multiple shots of surprise.
Honest.
First, we must get that boring 2-word disclaimer out of the way before we open the bottle. However, keep in mind the information you are about to receive is based on drinking tequila “in moderation.”
Now, let’s move on to the good stuff, shall we?
Tequila Can be Good for You
Time for clarity. Tequila can be good for you. This is different than declaring tequila IS good for you. There are no clinically proven direct links. No evidence drinking cures cancer. Please notice this distinction. Having said that, here we go with our surprising tequila health benefits. Enjoy!
Hangovers Hate 100% Agave
Tequila is made from fermented agave juice. But here is much more valuable information every tequila drinker should remember. “100% agave.” Be sure to drink 100% agave tequila if you want any shot at health benefits.
Why?
Because a good, quality tequila is made with 100% agave. Most importantly, the major difference here is you won’t get a nasty hangover by ignoring that pesky drinking in-moderation disclaimer.
Cheap tequila uses less agave. Instead, it mixes in gnarly ingredients such as unwanted sugar alcohols. This is what helps to put a hurtin’ on you.
Hours later, a hangover will likely be the result of drinking cheap tequila. And a bad bonus is “sugar turns to fat.” So, say “adios” to the tasty tequila health benefits if you choose cost over quality.
Remember to connect the words, “agave” with “advice.” And remember, 100% agave is everything.
Tequila May Help with Weight Loss
Chill. Tequila is not the hot new alternative to the mega-popular weight loss drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy. However, drinking tequila can help with weight loss.
Granted, this goes against everything you’ve ever heard about drinking alcohol. I know. And what makes it even harder to believe is the reason tequila can help you lose weight is because of a form of sugar.
Agavins are natural sugars. It is no accident the word agavins sounds like agave. They are produced by the agave plant. No, they are not the same thing as agave nectar.
There are unique, standout qualities of agavins. They are non-digestible which means they don’t pack on a lot of calories for you. Unlike many sugar alcohols, many of the calories from agavins simply pass through your system. This also stimulates your metabolism and helps to break down fats. Think of agavins as acting much like fiber.
Another useful act of agavins is these sugars don’t significantly affect your blood glucose levels. This is because they have a less refined molecular structure.
Tequila May Do a “Solid” for your Digestion
For generations, people have taken a shot of tequila after a meal. The purpose has been widely believed it would aid in digestion.
Agavins are described as highly branched neo-fructans. More commonly, you may know them for the term, prebiotics. This means they can promote digestive health by promoting beneficial gut bacteria.
In addition, some of the fructans in tequila can also work as probiotics. In this capacity, they help to supply the healthy bacteria that work in your intestines.
Cool for your Colon
The agavins in tequila are also able to help with your colon, especially if you suffer from digestive issues. This is possible because the chemical carriers they contain can help protect prescription medications you may take. In order to reach your colon, medications must get by your stomach acid in order to function.
Tequila Doesn’t Fast Track Type 2 Diabetes
If you have diabetes or are at risk for it, alcohol consumption is an obvious area to proceed with caution. However, drinking 100% agave presents an opportunity for you to occasionally enjoy a cocktail. The natural sugars from the agave plant don’t get digested. Therefore, you can have a drink without expecting a dangerous spike in your blood sugar. Another of the tequila health benefits is it can stimulate your body’s production of insulin.
Tequila May Help Prevent Disease
Various clinical studies have looked at the value of agavins to humans. Let’s put a finger on two key examples.
Osteoporosis. Calcium is a well-known essential element for promoting and protecting strong bone health. Studies have shown agavins assist your body with absorbing calcium. This could help to create bone mass and aid in preventing osteoporosis which is basically recognized as the brittle bone disease.
Dementia. This one spotlights the fine line between enough and drinking too much for tequila health benefits. Studies show people who drink moderate amounts of tequila (or other alcohol) have a lesser incidence of dementia as they age. On the other hand, those drinkers who consume too much significantly increase their risk of dementia later in life.
Less Severe Health Issues
The Not So Good Ol’ Common Cold. After a flu epidemic more than 100 years ago, doctors across Mexico began prescribing a nightly shot of tequila for patients with flu-related illnesses or symptoms of the common cold. It is believed that the antimicrobial propoerties of tequila going down the hatch may help to soothe your throat and fight bacteria.
Furthermore, there is evidence tequila has antiviral capabilities and can enhance your immune system. The warming sensation may also help temporarily with nasal congestion. But mixing tequila with some cold medicines could bring on more of a science experiment than you may want.
Putting Insomnia to Rest. This one also goes against what is commonly known. Drinking alcohol before bed can keep you up at night. In addition, there is the urge to wake up a couple hours later to go to the bathroom.
However, tequila is different because it can help to relax you. This can calm the nerves or simmer down the stress so you can sleep. Of course, making this a nightly ritual could lead to a dependency which goes against any idea of tequila health benefits.
I hope you enjoyed this angle on tequila. It is intended to inform and entertain, not be taken as professional medical advice. So instead, take it wish a dash of salt. Salud!