Tequila: Is it Healthier Than Other Liquors?

If you're trying to cut down on your sugar intake or want a new and exciting way to get rid of your diabetes symptoms, look no further than tequila. Here's what this liquor has that other alcohols don't.

Tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave plant native to Mexico. The Mexican government decrees that tequila can only be produced within their country, and it must come from these designated regions: Jalisco, Nayarit, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Tamaulipas.

Different cocktails call for Tequila in different ways - Margaritas are one of many popular drinks with this potent ingredient. Read this article to find out how tequila is made and whether it is healthier than other liquors.

How is Tequila Made?

One of the most popular liquors in Mexico, tequila is made from a succulent called agave plant (or blue agave) that's been baked and juiced. The core within this agave plant resembles an aloe vera leaf with long spikes. Juicing these bulbs from the blue agave plant produces fermented juice, which turns into alcohol when mixed with yeast.

Tequila is a result of six stages: harvesting, baking, juicing, fermenting, distilling, and aging.

Harvesting is where sugar is extracted from agave. Next comes baking, which takes place in huge oven-like structures that cook and dry out raw material until it becomes like coal - perfect for extraction. After this, they are juiced up into pulp form before fermentation.

Distilling occurs when steam presses liquid through sterilized copper tubing producing liquor containing 40% ABV or more – think Jose Cuervo Gold or Patrón Silver Tequila Añejo 12-Year Old. Finally, aging completes the process as flavors mature over time resulting in premium spirits such as Don Julio 1942 Claro Extra Anejo Res.

Tequila Nutritional Facts

Curious about how “healthy” tequila is compared to other spirits? Here are the amounts of carbs, vitamins, minerals, proteins, and other nutrients that one shot (1.5 fl oz) of tequila (80 proof) contains.

How Many Carbs in Tequila

Thanks to the distillation process, tequila has no naturally present sugars or added ones either. Its glycemic index is assumed zero because the only carbohydrate would be from the fructose in its agave plant source.

On the other hand, alcoholic beverages like beer contain other ingredients, such as wheat products with gluten which can trigger an immune reaction. Plus, it has a high carbohydrate content due to starch, one of its primary ingredients.

How Many Calories in Tequila

Tequila's zero carbs, protein, and fat make you wonder where the calories come from. You may be surprised to know that 14 grams of alcohol (7 calories per gram) provide all the energy in tequila when consumed straight up or with ice.

Some brands have slightly higher alcohol by volume, which means they contain a few more grams of alcohol than your standard 40% ABV or 80 proof variety – increasing their calorie count slightly.

Are Agave-Based Spirits the Healthiest Option?

Tequila is considered a healthier choice than other alcoholic drinks because it has less sugar and calories. Unlike most distilled spirits, tequila also has low levels of impurities like methanol or fusel oil when consumed in reasonable amounts.

If you want to reap the benefits of drinking tequila, its label must read “100% agave plant” or “100 percent blue agave plant.” It's because these types of liquor are made with a natural sweetener called fructose or agavins that won't raise your blood sugar levels as well as triglyceride levels or blood fat.

Agavin, a natural compound found in the agave plant, has been shown to contribute to weight management. It also has no adverse health effects, unlike other sugars such as high-fructose corn syrups.

Conclusion

The evidence is in. Tequila is the healthier choice of alcohol compared to other distilled spirits like vodka, rum, or whiskey. Unlike these types of liquor, tequila has lower levels of impurities and has agavins, making it a better option.

If you’re concerned about your health as well as what type of drink best suits your palate, try out some 100% agave-made tequilas. And remember, drinking moderately is a great way to maintain good health and longevity.