Research shows that compounds in agave, which is the raw product in tequila, may carry some health benefits. However, so far, no studies in humans have demonstrated a link between tequila and any positive health outcomes.
While it may not have health benefits, tequila may be a comparatively healthier choice than some other types of alcohol.
This article discusses myths about tequila’s potential health benefits, health benefits associated with compounds in agave, tequila’s healthy properties compared to other types of alcohol, and the potential health benefits and risks of alcohol consumption.
Health myths around tequila
Currently, no research in humans suggests drinking tequila carries any health benefits.
But the Internet houses various articles promoting the findings of preliminary studies in animals. And nearly all of these early studies assessed the potential benefits of compounds found in agave.
The potentially beneficial compounds in agave sugars break down during processing and convert into ethanol, the active ingredient in alcoholic beverages.
Some of the most popular, unsupported ideas in circulation claim that drinking tequila can:
- aid with weight loss
- help control blood sugar levels and prevent type 2 diabetes
- help improve bone health and density
- promote longevity and even stop or reverse ageing
- prevent and help treat colds, the flu, and other types of infection
- improve gastrointestinal health and digestion
- improve sleep
- reduce pain
- improve absorption and usage of certain medications
- reduce the risk of dementia
Health benefits of raw agave
Manufacturers make tequila from fermented agave juice, typically from the species Agave tequilana.
Some producers add additives and alcohol from other sources to the tequila, while other manufacturers make tequila from 100% agave juice.
Most blue, silver or white higher-end tequilas from Mexico contain 100% fermented agave.
Agave juice contains sugars that seem to offer various potential health benefits, though conclusive evidence of these benefits will require more research.
Potential benefits of raw agave include:
Aids with weight loss
Agave is rich in a type of sugar known as agavins.
Early research shows that agavins may act as or function like dietary fibre, meaning the body does not digest and absorb them in the same way as most sugars.
As a result, agavins may not affect blood glucose or contribute calories to the diet. This may explain their possible role in weight control and diabetes management.
In a 2014 study, mice that ate a standard diet and had free access to water with agavins ate less and lost more weight than mice given water with other sweeteners, such as fructose, glucose, sucrose, aspartame, and agave syrup.
Reduces pain and inflammation
Agave contains saponin compounds, which might have anti-inflammatory properties. This means that consuming saponin may potentially reduce pain associated with inflammation.
Mexican traditional medicine has used Agave tequilana, Agave americana, and Agave angustifolia as an anti-inflammatory for centuries.
The study noted all three agave species had an anti-inflammatory effect when scientists injected it into mice with swollen ears, though A. americana had the most potent effect.
Improves immune function
Agave contains antioxidants, which may offer a range of immune benefits.
A 2019 study found that agave syrups have significant amounts of antioxidative components compared to other natural sweeteners.
According to the study, tannins are one of these antioxidative components.
Animal studies suggest tannins may improve immune function by helping cells communicate to coordinate a response.
Digestive health
Agave contains compounds that may aid in digestion by promoting a healthy gut microbiota, which is a community of beneficial microbes.
According to an article published in, this is because agave contains fructans and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which appear to act as prebiotics. Prebiotics are indigestible fibres that fuel beneficial bacteria in the gut, allowing them to grow.
Fructans and fructooligosaccharides may act as prebiotics and encourage a healthy gut microbiota, improve digestion, and reduce symptoms of some digestive conditions.
Improve bone health
In animal studies, compounds in blue agave called fructans appear to help prevent bone loss and aid bone formation.
In a 2014 study, mice fed 10% agave fructans showed increased calcium levels in their bones and blood, meaning that agave fructans supplementation can improve bone formation and prevent bone loss.
A 2016 report on the same study expands on the findings, stating that fructans may help improve calcium and magnesium absorption and encourage new bone growth in mice, even those with osteoporosis, a degenerative bone condition.
Agave saps also contain other bone-building nutrients, such as magnesium, phosphorous, iron, and zinc.
Improve iron levels
The sap from the Agave salmiana species is rich in iron. An 850 milliliter (ml) serving of agave sap can contain the entire daily recommended intake of iron for an adult.
Source: Medical News Today
