10 Tequila Facts for your Health (Seriously!)

Tequila has come a long way from its reputation as a wild night, dive bar, and hangover-inducing spirit. It’s not just for Cinco De Mayo anymore! Now, it even has its own National Day (July 24th) and it is making appearances at upscale taverns and fancy parties.

We all know that tequila makes you exponentially more charming and a great dancer, but do you know the tequila facts for your health? No, seriously, tequila can be healthy! 

Knowing tequila facts for your health will help you even more enjoy your margaritas and tequila cocktails! Before you pour that shot, it’s important to be sure you are drinking quality Tequila.

Under Mexican law, tequila can only be made from the heart of the Blue Agave plant. It’s produced in just five appellations of origin in Mexico and is classified by age as follows (from youngest to oldest): Blanco, Joven, Reposado, Añejo, and Extra Añejo.

The youngest, Blanco, is the purest since it has not developed the various sugars found in its older siblings. As always, moderation is key. However, if you want to enjoy a quality liquor with potential health benefits, pour yourself some blanco to sip and remember these best tequila facts for your health!

10 Tequila Facts for your Health (Seriously!)

Blanco tequila is one of the purest forms of liquor in the world. Sometimes referred to as “Silver,” it has not been aged in wood barrels and doesn’t contain the sugars that develop in the older varieties of tequila.

Sugar and chemical impurities are what give us that awful day-after headache. You won’t find that in Blanco tequila; however, add the sugary margarita mix, and you will have missed the point.

Instead, opt for skinnier, low-calorie mixers like seltzer and lime juice.

Tequila Facts for your Health

If you suffer from Celiac Disease or a gluten intolerance, you can drink 100% agave Tequila without worry. If your tequila is made from 100% agave, it doesn’t contain caramel coloring or additives like many other alcohols.

Tequila Facts for your Health | Tequila is Diet-Friendly

Trying to lose weight? Pure agave tequila is low in sugar and has only 69 calories per ounce. It is carbohydrate-free due to the distillation process. Getting a little more scientific, the particular type of sugars found in tequila.

These sugars are called agavins but don’t appear to raise blood sugar levels. They produce a hormone known to keep you fuller and longer.

This is great news for anyone on a sugar, low-calorie, or low-carb diet who wants a cocktail now and then. Just be sure to skip the calorie-laden mixes and sodas.

Tequila Facts for your Health | Tequila Might Elevate Your Mood and Relieve Stress

It is said that tequila, unlike all other alcohol, is an “upper” rather than a “downer.” Granted, since all alcohol (ethanol) is a depressant, this one probably isn’t factually true.

But sometimes it’s mind over matter. If tequila makes you feel happier and less stressed, go with it!

Tequila Facts for your Health | Tequila May Lower Blood Sugar and Cholesterol

Going back to those agavins again, scientists have found that these sugars are only found in tequila, which lowers blood glucose levels and increases insulin production.

Agavins also lower triglycerides, which can ultimately lower cholesterol levels. This might be beneficial even for people with type 2 diabetes. (But of course, always check with your doctor if alcohol is normally off-limits for you.)

Tequila Facts for your Health | Tequila Numbs Pain

We have all heard of drinking our blues away. Tequila is used to numb emotional pain, but did you know it can also numb physical pain? The drink dilates your blood vessels, helping blood to move through your body more efficiently, which lessens aches and pains.

Tequila Facts for your Health | Tequila Has Been Used As A Cure for Common Cold

Doctors in Mexico in the 1930s began prescribing tequila with some lime and salt as a cure for the common cold. There’s no sound medical research to back this one up, but it might be worth a shot. Pun intended.

Tequila Facts for your Health | Fructans are Good For Your Digestion

Don’t know what a Fructan is? It’s a naturally occurring form of Fructose found in tequila. It has been found that Fructans help boost the amount of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the body, acting like a prebiotic, by helping out the good gut bacteria in your body.

This might make tequila an excellent digestif!

Tequila Facts for your Health | Fructans May Prevent Bone Loss

Scientists have found that mice fed fructans absorbed more calcium from their food and showed increased bone-tissue-building protein osteocalcin. Can fructans prevent bone loss? Maybe.

Supplementing with agave fructans might be one way to promote healthy bone formation. That’s certainly a reason to keep sipping your blanco.

Tequila Facts for your Health | Tequila Lowers Your Risk of Dementia

Drinking tequila and other alcohol in moderation can help reduce your risk of dementia. Light to moderate drinking stimulates your brain to release acetylcholine, a memory-essential chemical.

It’s not clear why, but smaller amounts of alcohol seem to be good for the brain, while more significant amounts increase your risk of developing the disease.

Don’t switch your daily protein shake or green juice with a tequila and soda. It’s important to talk to your doctor before using tequila as a cure-all for any of the health conditions discussed here.

Dietary guidelines recommend that moderate drinking for women is up to one alcoholic beverage per day and up to two for men. So, although tequila can be beneficial in many ways, drinking to excess can cause severe health problems.

Enjoy your tequila in moderation, and stay healthy!

More Drinks for Adults

Easy Low Cal Mojito Recipe | Mojitos are the perfect summer cocktail. They are light, refreshing, and super easy to make.

Mai Tai Recipe | Mai tais are not as easy to make but are worth the tiny bit of effort they take to enjoy, especially during summer parties.

Sparkling Cucumber Cooler with Gin Cocktail Recipe | Another great cocktail is the cooler. This drink is as light as they come but just as delicious as anything else.

Strawberry Jalapeno Margarita Recipe on the Rocks | You can’t go wrong with a margarita. This margarita recipe takes it to the next level with a bit of spice.

Fireball Whisky Cocktail with Passion Fruit | Fireball whisky is not a drink that you just use lightly; it should be approached with caution. If you know, you know.