After a long day, following a breakup, during a Cinco de Mayo celebration, or simply because it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, you might enjoy a shot of tequila. There’s no need to feel ashamed about it—tequila can actually have health benefits (yes, really!). Keep reading to discover seven health benefits of tequila that you may not be aware of.
Nutrition Information
- Calories: 96-100
- Protein: 0 grams
- Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 0 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
Tequila’s calories come solely from its alcohol content. Each gram of alcohol provides about seven calories.
It’s worth noting that the nutritional information can vary slightly depending on the proof (alcohol by volume) of the tequila. Tequila typically has an alcohol content between 35 and 55 percent. Higher proof tequilas will have slightly more calories.
Also, be aware that any mixers added to tequila cocktails will significantly increase the calorie, carbohydrate, and sugar content. For example, a margarita or a tequila sunrise will have considerably more calories and sugar than a straight shot of tequila.
Tequila Health Benefits
Before you grab yourself a shot or pour yourself a strong margarita, here is what you need to know about the health benefits of tequila.
1. Lowers Blood Sugar
Agavina is a natural sugar that comes from the agave plant used to produce tequila. It triggers insulin production and therefore lowers blood sugar.
2. Lowers Your Cholesterol
It’s widely known that increasing fiber in your diet helps reduce cholesterol levels.
Similar to fiber, agavins lower triglycerides in the blood and levels of cholesterol, as determined by researchers in Plant Foods For Human Nutrition.
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3. Helps Fight Colds
In the 1930s, doctors in Mexico promoted a tequila concoction—similar to a Margarita—to combat the common cold: 0.5 ounces of tequila, 0.5 ounces of agave nectar, and 0.5 ounces of fresh lime juice.
4. A Natural Painkiller
Tequila has been proven to dilate the blood vessels, which results in better blood flow and can help minimize pain levels.
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5. It’s Diabetes Approved
The high sugar content in many types of alcohol can be a significant concern for diabetics. However, they can confidently order a shot of tequila at the bar, as tequila contains much less sugar compared to other spirits. This reduced sugar content results in a lower impact on blood sugar levels.
6. Built-In Bloat Fighter
Raise your glass and celebrate this because tequila helps to regulate the absorption of fat in your intestines.
7. It Helps Cleanse Your Colon
Researchers at Mexico’s University of Guadalajara have claimed that blue agave found in tequila helps deliver drugs to the colon, which helps to treat illnesses such as Crohn’s disease, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. There’s even research that points to relief from colon cancer.
Potential Risks of Tequila
Despite the potential health benefits of tequila suggested by some studies, even moderate alcohol consumption, including tequila, is not without risks. Certain situations and individual conditions make any level of alcohol intake potentially harmful:
- Driving: Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, making driving under the influence extremely dangerous and illegal.
- Underage Drinking: Alcohol consumption is illegal and harmful for individuals under the legal drinking age, as their brains are still developing.
- Depression: Alcohol is a depressant and can worsen symptoms of depression and other mood disorders.
- Loss of Control: Individuals who struggle to control their alcohol intake should abstain entirely.
- Pregnancy and Trying to Conceive: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to severe consequences for the developing fetus, including stillbirth, miscarriage, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). It is also advisable to avoid alcohol when trying to conceive.
- Breastfeeding: Alcohol passes into breast milk and can be harmful to a nursing infant.
Furthermore, it is crucial to be aware of medication interactions. Alcohol can interact harmfully with numerous medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness, increasing their toxicity, or causing unpleasant and dangerous side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, incoordination, respiratory problems, internal bleeding, or heart problems. Always carefully read medication labels and follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist regarding alcohol consumption while taking medication. When in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol.
If you choose to drink tequila, it is crucial to do so in moderation (up to one standard drink per day for women and up to two for men) and be aware of these potential adverse effects and risk factors. If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption or its impact on your health, please consult a healthcare professional.
