Are you surprised to hear tequila has health benefits? In Mexico, where tequila was first developed, it is considered a sophisticated drink and is best enjoyed by taking slow, measured sips. Tequila has a bad reputation because many brands of the drink are mixed with other sugar based alcohols. If you buy a bottle of tequila made from 100% agave – a plant unique to Mexico – the drink can actually carry some great benefits. Here are 7 ways having the occasional glass of tequila can help your health.
An occasional glass of tequila can act as a probiotic. Probiotics are the healthy bacteria in your intestines. They help maintain a healthy immune system. Fructans in agave are rich in probiotics, from which tequila is made. However, moderation is key. If you drink too much alcohol, your natural reserve of healthy bacteria can become depleted.
Tequila is also a prebiotic, which is any food ingredients that promote the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. A study by researchers in Mexico has found that the prebiotics in tequila can improve the intestine environment, which allows for good bacteria to thrive.
3. Helps with appetite and digestion
Tequila is a drink that can help your stomach out. Experts suggest a shot before a meal to strengthen your metabolism and appetite. Having a glass after dinner can soothe and assist digestion. It?s recommended that each shot be accompanied by a glass of water.
4. It can lower your chances of developing dementia
A study looking at people over the age of 75 and their drinking habits found that drinking moderate amounts of alcohol, including tequila, lowered their chances of developing dementia. The study defined moderate amounts as 8 -14 drinks a week. However, you have to be careful because they also discovered that drinking any more than 14 per week, the chances of developing dementia went up.
Tequila might be better than counting sheep. The drink?s relaxing benefits can help calm nerves and induce sleep, according to research. This is not an answer if you have chronic insomnia, but it does help with episodic encounters. Tequila is best as something to help you unwind, and not to be relied on.
6. Directs medication to the colon
If you have a disease that affects your digestive system, like IBS, colitis or Crohn?s, tequila might be a real help. The fructans in tequila can help medication reach the colon without the stomach acid breaking the pills down. This is because the fructans contain natural chemical carriers which can protect the pills. Scientists are looking to adding these type of fructans to prescription medications.
7. It doesn?t leave you with a hangover
You might associate tequila with strong hangovers, but real tequila doesn?t leave you with painful side effects the next day. It?s important to emphasize that this is only the case for the 100% agave variety. The cheaper brands with the added alcoholic sugars don?t offer this benefit. As with all alcoholic drinks, it?s important to take moderation into account.
