Friday nights are for celebrating the onset of another weekend of freedom. After a long week’s work, you’re off to bars with friends, with one goal in mind: to have fun. One of the best ways to have a good time is through tequila, and the shouts of approval come on the first tray of shots, salt, and lime.
After five trays or so, the dancing begins and the Mexican spirit begins to bless your Friday night out. With fun and laughter, your work and stress seemingly melt away. While health experts warn against excessive consumption of alcohol, you’ll be pleased to know that your choice of booze, namely tequila, delivers a unique set of health benefits.
While shots of tequila are far from carrot-kale-lemon juice bottles, or the epitome of healthy eating and nutrition, it’s still alcohol. Tequila’s just the healthier choice, making it the perfect balance of good times and health if taken in moderation.
From your bones to your gut health, here’s why you should tequila from now on:
Reason #1: It’s good for your bones
According to a Mexican study, the plant from which tequila is made contains substances of calcium and magnesium. The plant is called the blue weber agave plant, carrying essential minerals good for our bone health. Spiked with “fructans”, this plant can help protect the body against the onset of osteoporosis. This can be done by boosting the body’s calcium absorption.
Although the studies are astounding, keep in mind that tequila isn’t a healing elixir. Drinking it every night does not guarantee you total protection from osteoporosis, but the risk will decrease. The trick is to drink it sparingly—and to keep those messy Friday nights to a minimum!
Reason #2: It can temporarily relieve stress
Many people claim that tequila is a stress reliever, and for good reason. Moderate consumption of any alcohol has always been associated with stress relief, as it results in a release of endorphins in the brain. The same holds true for tequila, thereby making you feel more relaxed, happier, and even more social! In essence, drinking a little glass can indeed alleviate your mild stress.
People suffering from chronic stress, however, should keep away from the effects of alcohol. Consumption makes stress worse, and the University of Chicago postulates that stress eliminates alcohol’s intoxicating effects. In other words, extreme stress will cause an individual to drink more alcohol—in such cases, stress and alcohol feed on each other, leading to devastating effects.
Reason #3: It’s good for your gut health
Despite its commonly negative connotation, the word “bacteria” isn’t always bad. Good bacteria, or probiotics, actually play an important role in your body. In the gut, probiotics aid in proper digestion and carry a multitude of health benefits. Some of the health benefits that probiotics can bring include a healthy immune system, good digestion, and weight loss, among others.
With all the benefits of probiotics, it makes sense to consume sources of these good bacteria as much as you can. One good source of these healthy probiotics is tequila. As previously stated, tequila is derived from a plant called agave, which contains a compound called fructans. This compound also helps promote the growth of probiotics. Your gut may actually benefit from moderate drinking, and a small serving of tequila every night can help you boost your digestion.
The Bottom Line
Although the idea of drinking tequila every night may sound tempting, we’re drawing the line here. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warn against drinking every day, as the long term risks of too much alcohol are very much real. It can lead to cancer, stroke, depression and anxiety, as well as alcohol dependence, among others. Small doses of tequila are good for you but bear in mind the old adage: too much of anything is never good.
To keep up with the most important health news, tune in with TheSkinny. We are a free online newsletter providing you with fresh developments on the health and wellness world, as with tips we’ve picked up along the way. Discover your healthiest self with us—subscribe now!
