Tequila shot as a probiotic

The idea of tequila promoting optimal health is not a new one. In fact, for thousands of years, alcohol was believed to cure a number of health conditions. There was a time when patients in hospitals were actually served beer because the quality of drinking water was so bad! But as usual, I digress.

Listen to Dr. Neal address this topic on Episode 485 of the podcast Optimal Health Daily.

Can Tequila Promote Health & Wellness?

To answer this question, we first need to know what tequila is composed of. This will vary, of course, but for the most part, tequila is made through the fermentation of blue agave nectar. This nectar comes from the pit of the blue agave plant, which, among other places, can be found near the city of Tequila, in Jalisco, Mexico.

Now that we know what tequila is made from, the real question is…

Does Blue Agave Nectar Have Any Potential Health Benefits?

Similar to honey, blue agave nectar has been used for years to help treat a number of ailments, but there’s very little evidence to support these claims.

Since tequila is made up of fermented blue agave nectar, is it possible that it may have some health benefits, like acting as a probiotic? Remember, probiotics are live bacteria, but good bacteria that can be found in our intestines. These good bacteria are an integral part of our immune systems and keep us healthy. Sometimes folks like to use the term “microbiome” when referring to our intestines and the bacteria found there.

Is Tequila a Good Probiotic?

When I looked at the data regarding tequila as a probiotic, sadly, the findings were disappointing. The research does not support the use of daily tequila consumption to help promote the health of our microbiome. More research is needed before tequila or any of its components can be widely recommended for health concerns.

This myth of tequila supporting our microbiome began when scientists theorized that blue agave nectar, which is different chemically than table sugar, could be a source of dietary fiber. We do know that dietary fiber helps promote the health of the microbiome. But blue agave nectar doesn’t have nearly enough fiber to promote the health of our intestines. Instead, beans, lentils, berries, nuts, and whole grains are better sources of fiber and have been shown to promote the growth of good bacteria in our intestines.

The goal is for most healthy adults to consume at least 25-35 g of fiber each day. No need to consume way more than the 35 g–this may lead to a lot of discomfort and actually the loss of nutrients. Consuming yogurt regularly may also help promote the health of the microbiome, too.

Do Other Forms of Alcohol Promote Health & Wellness?

Other forms of alcohol, like red wine, have been well-studied and have been shown to provide health benefits. There is not enough data about red wine acting as a probiotic, but it seems that 5 to 6 oz. of red wine each day may reduce risk for a number of cardiovascular diseases, like heart attack and stroke.

However, I must include some disclaimers: not everyone needs to start drinking wine to achieve these benefits.

For women that are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant in the near future, consuming any form of alcohol is not recommended. Those with a history or family history of addiction may want to think twice about consuming alcohol.

And if you need some tips on how to avoid peer pressure to drink alcohol, check out the following episode on our other podcast, Optimal Living Advice.

Listen to Greg's thoughts on how to avoid peer pressure to drink alcohol on Episode 023 of Optimal Living Advice.

A note about red wine: it seems that the benefits of consuming red wine doesn’t really start to kick in until around age 40. Meaning that it may not help to start drinking wine when you’re younger.

That means if you want to drink wine to lower risk for having a heart attack or stroke, then you might as well wait until you're 40 years old. Drinking before you reach your 40s may not help reduce your chances of suffering from a heart attack or stroke.

So… Is a Shot of Tequila Good for You?

Tequila likely does not act as a probiotic or promote the growth of good bacteria in our intestines. As I mentioned earlier, more research is required before tequila can be recommended for health and wellness. Other forms of alcohol, like red wine, when consumed in moderation, may help reduce the risk of other diseases like heart attack and stroke. But you can always decrease your risk of these diseases by eating a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.

Listen to Dr. Neal address this topic on Episode 485 of the podcast Optimal Health Daily.

mm

Neal Malik

Dr. Neal Malik ("Dr. Neal") has a Doctorate in Public Health with emphases in disease prevention and nutrition. He is also a Registered Dietitian and Certified Health Education Specialist. He is currently an assistant professor at California State University, San Bernardino. Dr. Neal has published peer-reviewed scientific research and been featured as a nutrition and wellness expert in over 70 media outlets including Parade and The L.A. Times. Send in your health related question and Dr. Neal will answer it on the Optimal Health Daily show!
Minimalism Tips for Family Cheat Sheet

Minimalism Tips for Family Cheat Sheet

Enter your email to get our free PDF cheat sheet on minimalism tips for family members. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and life tips!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Join my weekly newsletter for life tips, quotes, and free tools to optimize your life (and make my day)!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Minimize Your Wardrobe: Inspiration File

Minimize Your Wardrobe: Inspiration File

Enter your email to get our free Inspiration File on minimizing your wardrobe. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and life tips!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Checklist: How to Declutter Sentimental Items.

Checklist: How to Declutter Sentimental Items.

Enter your email to get our free PDF checklist on decluttering sentimental items. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and life tips!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

5-Day Email Course - Get Started with Minimalism

5-Day Email Course - Get Started with Minimalism

Enter your email to join our free 5-day ecourse on getting started with minimalism. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Checklist-How to Declutter Paper

Checklist-How to Declutter Paper

Enter your email to get our free PDF checklist on how to declutter paper. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Checklist - How to Declutter Books

Checklist - How to Declutter Books

Enter your email to get our free PDF checklist on how to declutter books. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Checklist - How to Help Kids Learn to Declutter Toys

Checklist - How to Help Kids Learn to Declutter Toys

Enter your email to get our free PDF checklist on how to help kids learn to declutter their toys. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Checklist - Bare Minimum of Items for Moving

Checklist - Bare Minimum of Items for Moving

Enter your email to get our free PDF checklist on the bare minimum of items you need when moving. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Checklist - Why Personal Finance is Important

Checklist - Why Personal Finance is Important

Enter your email to get our free PDF checklist on why financial literacy is important. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Cheat Sheet - How to Overcome Money Fears

Cheat Sheet - How to Overcome Money Fears

Enter your email to get our free PDF cheat sheet on overcoming money fears. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Bonus - Debt Payoff Tracker PDF

Bonus - Debt Payoff Tracker PDF

Enter your email to get our free PDF debt payoff tracker. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Cheat Sheet - How To Stay Motivated When You Feel Stuck

Cheat Sheet - How To Stay Motivated When You Feel Stuck

Enter your email to get our free PDF cheat sheet on maintaining your level of motivation. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Cheat Sheet - What Should I Do After A Deep Tissue Massage?

Cheat Sheet - What Should I Do After A Deep Tissue Massage?

Enter your email to get our free PDF cheat sheet on what to do after a deep tissue massage. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Cheat Sheet - Tips for Sitting at a Computer All Day

Cheat Sheet - Tips for Sitting at a Computer All Day

Enter your email to get our free PDF cheat sheet on tips to counter sitting at a computer all day. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Cheat Sheet - How Do I Stick to a Budget?

Cheat Sheet - How Do I Stick to a Budget?

Enter your email to get our free PDF cheat sheet on tips to stick to your budget. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Expert Tips - How to Get Over a Breakup

Expert Tips - How to Get Over a Breakup

Enter your email to get our free PDF with expert tips on getting over a breakup. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Expert Tips - How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Expert Tips - How to Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Enter your email to get our free PDF with expert tips on how to stop comparing yourself to others. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Expert Tips - 10 Health & Fitness Quotes

Expert Tips - 10 Health & Fitness Quotes

Enter your email to get our free PDF with health and fitness quotes from Optimal Health Daily episodes. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Cheat Sheet - Toxic Relationships

Cheat Sheet - Toxic Relationships

Enter your email to get our free PDF with tips on how to spot -- and get out of -- a toxic relationship. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration, quotes, life tips, and more!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

OLD Podcast: Library

OLD Podcast: Library

Enter your email to get your password to access our handy library. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and life tips!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

5-Day Email Course - Get Started with Personal Finances

5-Day Email Course - Get Started with Personal Finances

Enter your email to join our free 5-day ecourse on improving your personal finances. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Journaling Worksheet - PDF

Journaling Worksheet - PDF

Enter your email to get a sample of our journaling worksheet PDF with quotes and templates based on Optimal Living Daily episodes. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!

5-Day Email Course - Improve Your Health and Fitness

5-Day Email Course - Improve Your Health and Fitness

Enter your email to join our free 5-day ecourse on improving your health and fitness. You'll also get a weekly email with inspiration and tips to optimize your life!

You have Successfully Subscribed!