Surprising Health Benefits of Tequila Vs. Other Spirits
When it comes to alcoholic drinks, you may be surprised to know that there are certain qualities in tequila that make it a healthier choice than other spirits.
Though drinking any alcohol in large doses can be bad for your health*, a small dose of 100% blue agave tequila can actually have some benefits! Here’s how…
Made With 100% Blue Agave
But first, let’s set some basics down. When it comes to the health benefits of tequila, we’re not talking about the bottom shelf stuff you remember from your college days. Known as “mixto” these tequilas were not 100% blue agave, but likely a mixture of 51% blue agave and 49% other additives, like cane sugar or molasses.
A compound in the agave plant, called agavin, is mostly thought to be responsible for these health benefits when enjoyed in moderation. Plus, pure distilled tequila is also considered gluten-free.
From decreasing weight gain to helping your bones, here are the health benefits of 100% blue agave tequila.
#1. Aids sleep
Small amounts of tequila are often used as a nightcap to help calm the nerves and relax the body. Helpful for insomniacs or others who struggle with falling asleep, this muscle relaxant helps you unwind and promote a good night’s sleep.
#2. Aids digestion
Sipping on some tequila after a meal has also been known to soothe and assist digestion. The agave plant contains high levels of inulin, a dietary fiber that helps the digestive system grow good bacteria. Benefiting gut health, the inulin in the agave plant makes tequila a great digestif! However don’t overdo it, too much tequila has the opposite effect on the body.
#3. Linked to weight loss
Though the general rule when it comes to weight loss is not to drink alcohol, when it comes to tequila, there’s an exception to the rule. The agavin sugar in the agave plant can help control blood sugar and promote weight loss. Since agavins act like dietary fibers, it helps to lower your blood sugar levels, make you feel full faster, eat less, and in turn, promote weight loss. It also stimulates the metabolism and helps to dissolve fats.
While you shouldn’t drink tequila to drop pounds, it is the best spirit-alternative if you are treating yourself to that occasional drink.
#4. Good for your bones
Calcium and magnesium are both essential minerals in promoting and maintaining strong bone health. The agavins in the agave plant have also been linked to aiding the body in calcium and magnesium absorption, helping to prevent fragile or brittle bones. However, while tequila may be a better option than other spirits, all alcoholic beverages, when taken excessively for long periods of time, can decrease your bone density and lead to conditions such as osteoporosis so as with the rest of the article, moderation is key!
#5. It’s probiotic
Tequila is an excellent source of probiotics due to its agavins. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria in our gut and intestines that are responsible for our immune system and helping our bodies maintain a healthy balance. Good bacteria is crucial for the optimal performance of our bodies.
#6. Raises insulin levels for diabetics
By lowering blood glucose levels and promoting higher insulin levels, the agavins, or natural sugars, in tequila can also benefit people with type 2 diabetes. This natural, healthier sweetener alternative has non-digestible dietary fibers, meaning that they won’t lead to spiking blood sugar levels. While we don’t recommend drinking tequila to treat any kind of disease, it might be a good spirit to reach for instead of other spirits that can hike up your blood sugar levels.
#7. Low in Calories and Zero Carbs
Pure 100% agave tequila is low in calories, with only 69 calories per ounce and no carbohydrates thanks to the distillation process. However, the more you mix it, the more the calories, so it is better to sip or shoot it without adding in sugary mixers like soda or margarita mix. A healthier choice than other cocktails or alcoholic drinks, enjoy the benefits of this spirit with a good, flavorful tequila that can stand on its own like PaQuí Tequila.
IMPORTANT NOTE: While 100% pure blue agave tequila may have surprising health benefits thanks to the agavin sugars found in the agave fruit plant, we do not encourage drinking or relying on tequila as a remedy to heal, ease or promote any medical or health condition. As with all alcohols, excessive drinking can have detrimental consequences to your long term health and physical and mental functioning.