MEDICAL NEWS TODAY – Currently, no research in humans suggests drinking tequila carries any health benefits.
But the Internet houses various articles promoting the findings of preliminary studies in animals. And nearly all of these early studies assessed the potential benefits of compounds found in agave.
According to a 2016 article, the potentially beneficial compounds in agave sugars break down during processing and convert into ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
“Compared to wines, beers, and ciders, tequila contains no carbohydrates, no sugar, and fewer calories.”
Some of the most popular, unsupported ideas in circulation claim that drinking tequila can:
- aid with weight loss
- help control blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes
- help improve bone health and density
- promote longevity and even stop or reverse aging
- prevent and help treat colds, the flu, and other types of infection
- improve gastrointestinal health and digestion
- improve sleep
- reduce pain
- improve absorption and usage of certain medications
- reduce the risk of dementia
Health benefits of raw agave
Manufacturers make tequila from fermented agave juice, typically from the species Agave tequilana.
Some producers add additives and alcohol from other sources to the tequila, while other manufacturers make tequila from 100% agave juice.
Most blue, silver, or white higher-end tequilas from Mexico contain 100% fermented agave.
Agave juice contains sugars that seem to offer various potential health benefits, though conclusive evidence of these benefits will require more research.
Is tequila healthier than other alcohols?
Consuming any alcohol can be detrimental to health.
However, some types of alcohol have less sugar and carbohydrates and fewer empty calories than others and could have fewer adverse health effects.
Compared to wines, beers, and ciders, tequila contains no carbohydrates, no sugar, and fewer calories.
A 42 g shot of 100% tequila contains 97 calories and 0 carbohydrates … READ MORE.
