Tequila Vs Beer: Which Alcoholic Drink Is Healthier?

Alcohol is generally unhealthy, but some drinks are healthier than others. Beer and hard liquor have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to health. Beer, for example, has more antioxidants than hard liquor, but liquor often has fewer or no carbohydrates. Tequila, a strong alcoholic drink, has gained a reputation as a healthy drink due to its low sugar and calorie content, as well as its potential health benefits. However, it is important to remember that no alcoholic drink is truly healthy, and excessive consumption of any alcohol can lead to severe health problems.

Tequila has fewer calories than beer

Tequila: The Lower-Calorie Option

When it comes to liquor versus beer, tequila has fewer calories than beer. A typical 12-ounce beer has around 140 to 150 calories, which is already more than a shot of tequila, which has only about 63 to 69 calories.

Liquor Calories

Liquor, in general, contains fewer calories than beer. A shot of straight liquor, such as tequila, vodka, gin, rum, or whiskey, contains about 100 calories, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. However, pure spirits like tequila have even fewer calories, coming in at 63 to 69 calories per shot.

Beer Calories

Beer's calories depend mainly on its alcohol content and, to a lesser degree, its carbohydrate content. A 12-ounce serving of 5% ABV beer, which is the standard for many beers, typically contains around 150 calories. The higher the alcohol content, the higher the calories, with heavy-hitting IPAs and Belgian-style Trippels packing 200 to 300 calories per serving.

Tequila's Other Benefits

Tequila has the added benefit of being low in sugar and carbohydrates. Pure agave tequila is naturally low in sugar and has no carbohydrates thanks to the distillation process. It also won't raise your blood sugar levels, and it's been shown to help lower cholesterol.

Calories and Weight Gain

It's important to remember that alcohol is a source of "empty" calories, providing minimal nutritional value while contributing to your daily caloric intake. Excessive drinking is linked to weight gain and obesity. According to a 2012 study, close to 20% of men and 6% of women consume more than 300 calories from alcohol daily. This can lead to weight gain over time.

So, if you're watching your weight or trying to be mindful of your calorie intake, tequila is a better option than beer, as it has significantly fewer calories per serving. However, it's important to drink in moderation, as excessive alcohol consumption can lead to severe health problems.

Tequila is gluten-free

Pure, distilled tequila, usually made with the blue agave plant, is gluten-free. Even mixtos tequila, which contains at least 51% agave with other sugars added, is safe for people with celiac disease. However, some tequilas may add flavourings or other additives after distillation, which may contain gluten. There is also a risk of gluten cross-contact in facilities that process products containing wheat, barley, or rye.

Tequila is made from the agave plant, which does not contain gluten. Gluten proteins are primarily found in wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. Therefore, tequila is safe for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance to consume.

It is important to note that while tequila is gluten-free, it is not a health drink. While pure agave tequila is low in sugar and calories, it is still alcohol, which can have negative health effects when consumed in excess. Additionally, mixers and chasers can add sugar and calories to tequila drinks, reducing their health benefits.

When choosing a tequila, it is important to read the labels and look for certified gluten-free options to ensure that the product is truly gluten-free. Some brands may have better distillation processes than others, which can remove gluten more effectively. It is also important to be mindful of potential cross-contamination during the production process.

In conclusion, tequila is a gluten-free drink option, but it should still be consumed in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Tequila is better for blood sugar levels

While tequila may not be a health drink, it can be a healthier choice than other alcoholic drinks. Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and is fairly low-calorie.

Agavins, the natural sugars found in tequila, are non-digestible, meaning they act like fibre and won't raise your blood sugar levels. In fact, agavins have been shown to lower glucose levels and increase insulin production, which can be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes. Agavins also promote feelings of fullness and improve insulin resistance.

However, it is important to note that the agavins and other sugars in agave juice are converted into ethanol during the tequila fermentation process, so the drink itself does not contain these beneficial compounds. Additionally, there are no human studies on the topic, so no strong conclusions can be made about the potential health benefits of tequila.

When it comes to blood sugar levels, tequila is a better choice than many other alcoholic drinks. For example, a 12-ounce can of regular beer provides 12 grams of carbs, while cocktails like daiquiris can pack up to 35 grams of carbs per serving. However, it is important to consider mixers as well, as sugary juices and sodas can also affect blood sugar levels.

Tequila is a better option for weight loss

Although drinking alcohol can blunt your ability to lose fat, tequila is a healthier option when compared to other alcoholic drinks. Pure agave tequila is low in sugar, has no carbohydrates, and is fairly low-calorie. It has about 64 to 69 calories per ounce, depending on the brand.

Agavins, the natural sugar found in tequila, are non-digestible and won't raise your blood sugar levels. This means that tequila won't impact your blood sugar levels like other alcoholic drinks, which is especially beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes.

Additionally, agavins have been shown to help lower cholesterol and can aid in weight loss. However, it's important to remember that the health benefits of tequila are only applicable when consumed in moderation. Excessive drinking can lead to severe health problems and negatively impact your weight loss journey.

When it comes to cocktails, it's important to be mindful of the mixers used. Fruit juices and sugary additives can significantly increase the sugar and calorie content of your drink. To keep your drink healthier, opt for sparkling water or a squeeze of fresh fruit juice.

So, if you're looking to include an occasional alcoholic drink in your weight loss plan, tequila is a better option compared to beer or other alcoholic beverages. Just remember to drink in moderation and be mindful of the mixers you use.

Tequila is better for digestion

While tequila may not be a health drink, it can be a healthier choice than other alcoholic drinks. One of the reasons for this is that tequila is better for digestion.

Firstly, tequila is made from the agave plant, which contains high levels of inulin. Inulin helps the digestive system by growing good bacteria, making tequila an ideal digestif.

Secondly, agave contains fructans and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which act as prebiotics. Prebiotics are indigestible fibres that fuel beneficial bacteria in the gut, allowing them to grow. Fructans and FOS may also encourage a healthy gut microbiota, improve digestion, and reduce symptoms of some digestive conditions.

Thirdly, tequila is a low-calorie option, with around 60 calories per shot. This is significantly fewer calories than are found in a glass of white wine, for example, which can contain over 160 calories. As a result, tequila is a smarter option for those who are conscious of their calorie intake.

In addition, tequila is made with agavins, a natural form of fructose. Agavins are non-digestible, meaning they act like fibre and won't raise your blood sugar levels. This can be helpful for those trying to manage their weight or diabetes.

Finally, tequila can be used to aid digestion when consumed in moderation. Some suggest taking a shot of tequila before a meal to increase your appetite and boost your metabolism, and then another shot after the meal to aid digestion.

Frequently asked questions