Can Tequila Help Me Lose Weight

Does tequila have sugar? Well, the good news is that tequila is an alcoholic beverage with no added sugars. There are several health benefits of tequila, and it is said to promote weight loss and skin health. This alcoholic beverage is native to Jalisco in Mexico and was first produced in the 16th century. Since it has no added sugar, it is believed as a healthier alcoholic choice. This article discusses tequila benefits, its nutrient content, how tequila is made, and its risks. Scroll down.

Tequila is a fermented drink infused with various fruit slices or juices. This beverage is traditionally made from the harvest (pina) of blue agave plants. The drink is distilled, so it has no added sugars. Hence, the glycemic index of tequila is seen as zero (this means that the body digests it slowly). Throughout the past decade, tequila consumption in the US has increased substantially. 24, 66 million 9-liter cases of tequila were consumed in 2021 alone compared to 13, 62 million 9-liter cases in 2013. This graph shows how much tequila was consumed in the US from 2013 to 2021.

Mexican doctors, during the Spanish flu epidemic in 1918, asked patients to drink tequila with salt and lime to reduce the symptoms of the flu.

Drinking Tequila Can Help You Lose Weight By Lowering Your Appetite

Tequila made with 100% agave offers many health benefits. So, is tequila good for you? What do experts say? Let us understand more in the following section.

The agave sap has been used to treat skin conditions for centuries (1). Brenda Peralta, RD, says that tequila may detoxify the skin. It is a natural astringent that helps clean pores (by removing dirt and oil) and tightens the skin.

Studies suggest that agavins (a natural form of fructose) in tequila may accelerate weight loss (2). Brenda Peralta says tequila has a type of fiber (agavins) that may help promote weight loss. Fiber helps improve satiety and makes you feel fuller for longer. You may also consume fewer calories than your body needs. Besides, supplementing agavins in mice was found to promote factors that regulate appetite. This may help manage obesity and the associated metabolic disorder (3), (4).

Surprising Health Benefits Of Tequila

Anecdotal evidence suggests that people with type 2 diabetes may drink tequila moderately. Their blood glucose levels may not rise significantly because of the natural sugars present in agave. Agave may also have a positive influence on glucose control (5). Mary Wirtz, Clinical Registered Dietitian, says tequila does not contain carbohydrates and, therefore, does not have added sugars. As a result, many individuals with diabetes may find it easier to control their blood sugar levels when enjoying an alcoholic beverage tequila versus a drink like beer, margarita, or sweetened hard beverages (like hard lemonade) that may be high in carbohydrates.

Brenda Peralta, RD, says tequila has prebiotics that may promote a healthy gut. Prebiotics are non-digestible food ingredients (oligosaccharides) that can stimulate the growth and/or activities of probiotics (lactobacilli or bifidobacteria) in the colon (6). This way, prebiotics modify the microbial balance in the gut and improve the health of the gastrointestinal tract (7). However, more studies are warranted on the potential health benefits of the prebiotics in tequila.

While the origins of the word ‘tequila’ are shrouded in mystery, the word is believed to have come from the Nahuatl language “tequillan” meaning “place of tribute” or “place of work”.

Inspiration — The Tequila Diet

Anecdotal evidence suggests that tequila helps the body get rid of bad cholesterol and reduce the risk of ischemic stroke. This could eventually lead to lower triglyceride levels. The agavins in tequila may play a role here. However, many studies suggest that alcohol intake is directly linked to heart disease (8). Though these studies do not specify tequila clearly, they indicate the potential negative effects of alcohol intake. Hence, consuming in excess must be avoided. What nutrients does tequila offer? How much alcohol does it contain? We answer these in the following section. Read on!

The agave plant species are used to treat inflammatory diseases in traditional Mexican medicine. They contain saponin compounds that may help reduce inflammation and the associated pain. A study published in

 journal found that saponins exhibit anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve inflammatory conditions (9). Since tequila is made with agave, its moderate intake may help in this regard.

National Tequila Day 2019: Weight Loss, Colon Detoxification +5 Other Health Benefits Of This Mexican Spirit

The fructans in agave act as prebiotics and help improve mineral absorption. In one study, supplementing mice with 10 percent agave fructans could prevent bone loss and improve bone formation (10). Tequila also contains phosphorus that may promote bone density and bone growth (11), (12).

 journal found that agave syrups are rich in antioxidative compounds like tannins (14). In addition, animal studies suggest that tannins may help improve immune function (15).

Excess alcohol intake may cause poor sleep quality and sleep disturbances (16). But some research suggests that consuming it in extremely low quantities may improve sleep quality (17), (18). However, research is mixed and more studies are warranted in this regard.

Decoding The Benefits Of Tequila: Is It Good For Your Health?

Celebrities like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Adam Levine, Kendal Jenner, George Clooney, Bryan Cranston, Eva Longoria, Rita Ora, and AC/DC have their own tequila brands.

Tequila may have certain health benefits. But does that mean you can drink it every day?Can You Drink Tequila Shots Every Day?

As many researchers suggest, tequila may offer health benefits only if consumed in moderation. However, taking tequila shots every day may not be suitable for all. It may lead to short-term and long-term risks (9). Brenda Peralta, RD, says, “You can drink a shot of tequila daily to get all the benefits it provides. However, if you start depending on it during the day, I would recommend having it once in a while.” Tequila can be addictive. Hence, caution is advised. After all, tequila too contains alcohol and may pose potential risks. Know more in the next section.

The Truth About Tequila And Your Bones

Alcohol intake may increase the risk of major gastrointestinal cancers, including esophagus, stomach, and colon cancers. The risk worsens with increased alcohol intake coupled with other lifestyle habits like smoking. Besides, alcohol-induced gut inflammation may increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancers, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, and neuroinflammation (19).

Excess tequila intake (more than five standard drinks in a single sitting) may affect blood pressure. The beverage is associated with a transient increase in blood pressure (BP) that ranges from 4 to 7 mmHg for systolic BP and 4 to 6 mmHg for diastolic BP (20). Systolic BP measures the pressure on the walls of arteries when the heart beats while diastolic BP measures the pressure between heartbeats.

Drinking alcohol affects the brain in many ways. Excess alcohol intake may evoke feelings of sadness (depression) during intoxication. This develops into anxiety during the hangover and withdrawal stages. An individual who consumes large quantities of alcohol regularly may develop temporary anxiety and depressive symptoms. These may intensify as the consumption increases (21).

Ways Alcohol Hinders Fat Loss!

Anecdotal evidence suggests that those allergic to agave plants may experience allergies upon tequila intake. These include stinging, itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat, diarrhea, and nausea or vomiting. Occasionally, anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) may also occur. Alcoholic drinks are not meant for everyone. Even moderate intake may pose health risks for some. Continue reading to know who should not drink tequila.

Excess intake of tequila may cause a hangover just as is the case with other alcoholic beverages. It may lead to dehydration, muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, disrupted sleep, and acetaldehyde toxicity (22), (23). If you are experiencing frequent or severe hangovers, reconsider your alcohol consumption and consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Tequila, a popular distilled beverage, is most often served with salt and lemon juice. You can relax with this Mexican liquor in the midst of a tropical summer. It also boosts your health when consumed in moderation. Learn more about the traditional cocktail recipes made with tequila and how you can make them at home. Check the infographic given below.

Will Saving My Kilojoules For Alcohol Help Me Lose Weight?

The benefits of tequila are gaining popularity. It has no added sugars and is considered a healthy alcoholic choice for relaxation. If taken in moderation, its cocktails may promote skin health and weight loss. Also, its agave content positively affects glucose levels and may benefit those with diabetes. In addition, the prebiotics in tequila may promote a healthy gut, and its agavins may reduce cholesterol levels and promote heart health. However, excess consumption may increase cancer risk and depression. Hence, moderate consumption is advised.

Possibly, but in moderation. Anecdotal evidence suggests that tequila may aid digestion. It can boost your metabolism before a meal, and it can improve digestion afterward.

No. Wine, red wine to be precise, is healthier than tequila. Red wine is packed with beneficial antioxidants that may provide benefits when consumed moderately (24).

Drinking Tequila Makes You Lose Weight? Yes, Drinking Tequila Makes You Lose Weight

Yes. Compared to other distilled spirits like vodka, rum, or whiskey, anecdotal evidence suggests that tequila is a healthier choice since it has fewer impurities and more agavins (that make it a healthier choice).

Possibly. Agave, from which tequila is made, contains fructans that may help boost mineral absorption, thereby preventing bone loss and improving bone formation (10).

Possibly not. While tequila may help boost satiety due to the presence of agavins and may help lose weight, it

Health Benefits Of Tequila, Nutrition, & Side Effects