Tequila has earned a pretty bad rap.
Well known as the drink of choice for "lining up" and "slamming", this Mexican-born alcohol has been blamed for bad decisions and regretful hangovers since it was brought to the United States in the late 1800s. Red wine, on the other hand, has received the most attention as being "booze with benefits" by helping to lower cholesterol, lower your blood sugar, and protect your heart. But scientific research has found that just one ounce of high quality tequila (i.e., 100 percent agave) has several health benefits that will make you think twice the next time you order a drink at the bar:
Sound too good to be true? Let's see what the scientists have to say about the health benefits of tequila (when taken in moderation) can do!
GETTING TO KNOW TEQUILA
But first, let's get to know a little bit more about our good friend, tequila!
First of all, hundreds of brands of tequilas are separated into two categories, 100 percent blue agave and mixed. Mixed tequila contains alcohol derived from at least 51 percent blue agave and the remaining amounts from other sugars (usually cane sugars). When reading labels you can determine mixed tequila as a bottle that does not state "Tequila 100% de agave".
There are five types of tequila:
Wooden barrels infuse color and flavors of oak and brandy to aged tequilas. Much like whiskeys, the more they age the more complex they get. Blancos and platas typically taste most like the agave plant, and the clean flavor makes them a favorite for mixing cocktails (like margaritas).
If you're looking to acquire the health benefits that tequila has to offer there are a couple disclaimers to start:
- 1100 percent Blue Agave ONLY.
- 2Tequila can provide these benefits in moderation only (i.e., one ounce per day).
TEQUILA ENCOURAGES INSULIN PRODUCTION
TEQUILA IMPROVES DIGESTION AND OVERALL FUNCTION OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT
TEQUILA CAN IMPROVE INSULIN PRODUCTION
TEQUILA CAN LOWER CHOLESTEROL
TEQUILA CAN ALLEVIATE PAIN
AND THE BEST PART ...
Drinking high quality tequila doesn't give you a hangover! If you've gotten a hangover because of that last "regretful" shot at the end of the night it's because it was a mixed tequila with added colours and additional sugars. So the next time you are looking for an excuse to choose something off the drink menu at your favourite restaurant ... and you're sick of drinking red wine ... choose a shot of 100 percent Blue Agave tequila!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andrea Oh is an accomplished writer, published author, podcaster, and local blogger in Calgary, AB (Canada). Follow her adventures at www.sixfootcanasian.ca or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (@sixfootcanasian).
