We've heard it too, so we thought we'd do a little digging and find out what's really behind the claims. Like we needed another reason to grab the tequila...!
So let's start with the undisputed facts.
1. Blanco is the cleanest
It's generally agreed upon that Blanco tequilas, made from 100% agave, are the cleanest tequilas. The other tequilas (resposados or mixed), generally include other types of sugars, since they are aged in barrels used for other types of booze, according to The Cut.
2. Tequila is Gluten Free
It's made from the agave plant (most commonly, Blue Weber), and there are no traces of wheat or barley. So if you are avoiding gluten, it's generally considered one of the safest spirits.
3. It's Low in Calories & Carbs
At under 70 calories per shot, it's one of the lowest caloric spirits. A shot of vodka usually clocks in around 96 calories, so it's not uncommon for tequila to be recommended by dietitians. Bonus, according to Healthline, the distillation process also removes all carbs. So it's fairly low calorie and carb free.
As we know, tequila is delicious with lime (and tea!), but be careful with those traditional margaritas. They are generally packed with sugar and rack up the calorie count (and the hangover) quickly.
So what about the other claims? The Tequila Diet? Stronger bones? Is it an upper?
Well we're sorry to say, these are just completely unproven (and mostly false). Here's why:
All the theories around weight loss and bone density revolve around agavins. Agavins are the carbohydrates that are used to make tequila (found in the agave plant). According to The Cut, agavins have in been shown to lower blood-sugar and curb appetites in mice, in a study that was conducted by Dr. Mercedes Lopez. It's also widely claimed that the agavins are not digestible and therefore won't spike your blood sugar.
Here's the bummer: unfortunately these properties are actually distilled out when the agave is made into tequila. So, you aren't actually drinking a blood sugar lowering, metabolism boosting elixir.
On to the next. Tequila is an upper. Or is it? Well, we always thought so, but this theory is also no bueno. There are no differences in the way that your brain processes different types of alcohol. In brief - tequila has the same effect on your brain as any other spirit. But hey -- if tequila makes you happy, don't let a little science bring you down!
So, we're sorry to have debunked those health claims, but there's plenty of reason to keep sipping one of our favorite spirits.
Blanco tequila is clean, gluten free, low calorie and low carb -- and it's delicious. While it won't magically make you lose weight, it will make a mean spicy margarita.
Here is our list of 8 tea-quila cocktails to shake up this weekend, if you need a drink now!
The more you know.
Drink Wise,
The Owl's Brew Crew