Tequila is a popular alcoholic beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily produced in the Jalisco state of Mexico. While it’s often associated with partying and margaritas, some people claim that tequila can offer health benefits, particularly when consumed before bedtime. But is there any truth to these claims, or is it just a myth? In this blog post, we’ll explore the purported benefits of tequila before bed and examine the scientific evidence to see whether there’s any merit to them.
From improved sleep quality to reduced stress levels, we’ll delve into each of the 20 reported benefits and separate fact from fiction. So, grab a shot (or a margarita, if you prefer) and read on to discover the potential benefits of tequila before hitting the hay.
Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment and information purposes only. It should not be used as an alternative to medical advice or seeing your doctor. Keep in mind that if you have any disease, condition, or take medication, you need to have a discussion with your doctor before drinking tequila.
Tequila Background
The word Tequila comes from the Nahuatl language meaning “water of gold.” Tequila was originally produced in Mexico. Today, however, Tequila is also produced in other countries such as Argentina, Chile, and Spain.
Tequila is made from the blue agave plant. Agave juice contains sugars that seem to offer various potential health benefits, though conclusive evidence of these benefits will require more research.
When looking to reap any benefits from Tequila, you want to look for a brand that has 100% agave. Cheaper brands are many times laden with hidden sugar alcohols.
Video: Benefits Of Tequila
What Are The Health Benefits Of Drinking Tequila Before Bed?
Below are 20 benefits of drinking a small amount of tequila before bed. Are these fact or fiction or both? That is a question I can’t answer for you. My take on it is tequila might help with some ailments but much research still needs to be done.
1. Improves Sleep Quality
A study found that drinking a shot of Tequila before bed can help you sleep better at night. Drinking Tequila before bed can help you relax and fall asleep faster.
In fact, this drink helps you achieve deeper sleep than usual. As a result, you will wake up feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
You Might Be Interested In Reading: Seniors and Sleep Disturbance
2. Helps You Relieve Stress
Tequila is known to be an effective stress reliever. When you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed, a few shots of tequila can help you relax and unwind. It works by relaxing your body and mind. Thus, it helps you feel more relaxed.
3. Boosts Immune System
Another benefit of drinking tequila before bed is that it helps to boost your immune system.
This is because Tequila improves immune function antioxidants, which may offer a range of immune benefits. (medicalnewstoday.com)
The antioxidants found in Tequila can help fight off free radicals and improve your overall health.
The fructans in tequila are known to supply probiotics to the body that boost our immune system.
Agave (remember, Tequila is made from) contains a chemical called saponin which has been shown to increase the immune response in your body. (spoonuniversity.com)
4. Can Help Prevent Heart Disease
Tequila also has cardio-protective benefits. One study showed that tequila could help reduce the risk of heart disease by up to 50%. The compounds found in tequila help to improve your cholesterol levels and protect your heart from damage. Drinking tequila before bed is a great way to keep your heart healthy and help prevent disease.
5. Reduces Anxiety And Depression
Some people find drinking tequila before bed helps reduce anxiety and depression. This is probably due to Tequila containing compounds that can help increase levels of serotonin which can improve your mood and make you feel happier.
6. Aids With Weight Loss
Tequila helps burn fat and can help you lose weight over time. Tequila is low-calorie as far as alcohol is concerned. Though the liquid calories in many types of liquor are detrimental to weight-loss diets, tequila is different.
Tequila may be a comparatively healthier option than some other types of alcohol because it contains fewer calories, zero sugar, and zero carbohydrates.
Tequila is made up of agavins, a certain type of indigestible sugars that, because they don’t actually enter our blood stream they move through the body unused. (insider.com) If you can manage to drink a controlled amount of tequila you can benefit from the weight-loss properties of agavins. Researchers found that agavins (not to be confused with agave nectar or agave syrup), helped reduce food intake, aided with weight loss, and caused a decrease in blood glucose levels when tested in mice. (blog.memd.me) Additionally, Tequila can help improve your metabolism and make it easier to lose weight.
Drinking tequila every night might not be everyone’s idea of a healthy diet, but you may find it gives your metabolism a much-needed boost.
7. Helps With Digestive Health
Some people claim that Tequila is great for digestion.
According to one study, the prebiotic attributes of tequila help make the intestines a more friendly environment for healthy bacteria to thrive.
This is because Tequila stimulates digestive enzymes. The agave that tequila is derived from contains fructans, a short-chain polymer that supplies probiotics, the healthy bacteria found in the intestines.
According to Healthline probiotics promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria and have been linked to a wide range of health benefits.
This, in turn, can help reduce the amount of gas and bloating you experience. Additionally, Tequila can help reduce intestinal bacteria in your digestive system and can help keep you healthy overall.
8. Treats Headaches
Tequila can help improve your blood circulation and can help reduce the number of headaches you experience each year. Additionally, tequila can help reduce inflammation in your brain and can help you feel better overall.
9. Helps Reduce Pain
When tequila enters your system, it dilates the blood vessels and helps transport blood to all of your body parts, lessening pain.
The reduction of pain is thought to be caused by reduced inflammation in the body.
Tequila has been used to relieve pain caused by arthritis, migraines, menstrual cramps, toothache, and sports injuries.
However, if you are experiencing pain or inflammation, seek your doctor’s advice and not rely on alcohol for any long-term use. Moderation is the key.
10. Makes You More Creative
Tequila can help improve your cognitive function and enhance creativity and imagination. Additionally, tequila can help improve your problem-solving skills and can help you come up with new ideas.
11. Lowers Blood Sugar
According to research presented at the American Chemical Society, the sugar contained in the agave plant, called agavins, can help lower blood sugar. (indiatoday.in)
In another study cited by medicalnewstoday.com a 2014 study found that agavins help reduce blood sugar levels and improve insulin levels, which regulate blood sugar levels.
Now, this isn’t to say that tequila will cure diabetes or even completely prevent someone from developing the disease, but it may help with blood sugar levels.
If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before you start taking shots of tequila.
12. Cleans Skin
Tequila is high in antioxidants, which can help to cleanse and protect your skin from free radicals. Additionally, tequila can remove dead skin cells from your face and help improve the appearance of your skin and help reduce the signs of aging.
13. Helps to Fight Acne
The antioxidants in tequila can help to reduce inflammation and fight the bacteria that cause acne. Additionally, the alcohol in tequila can help dry out the acne and reduce the appearance of pimples.
This is a great option if you are struggling with acne and are looking for a natural solution.
14. Removes Makeup
If you are struggling to remove your makeup, a little bit of tequila might do the trick. The alcohol in tequila can help break down the makeup and remove it from your skin.
While tequila is not the best option for a nightly beauty routine, it can be a great way to quickly and easily remove your makeup.
15. Stops Hair Fall
The high levels of zinc in tequila can help to strengthen hair follicles and reduce hair fall. Additionally, the antioxidants in tequila can help to reduce inflammation and promote hair growth.
16. Provides Relief From Common Cold Symptoms
The next time you come down with a common cold, reach for a bottle of tequila. The alcohol in tequila can help loosen up mucus and provide relief from common cold symptoms such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, and fever.
Additionally, tequila’s antioxidants can help fight the viruses that cause the common cold.
17. Improves Eyesight
Believe it or not, the benefits of tequila extend to your eyesight. Tequila is high in antioxidants, which can help to improve vision and reduce the risk of eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration.
18. Gives A Beautiful Glow To The Skin
Tequila is a great way to give your skin a beautiful glow! The antioxidants in tequila can help to improve skin complexion and protect against skin damage. It brightens dark spots on the skin and restores damaged skin. Additionally, the alcohol in tequila can help open up pores and flush out toxins.
19. Enhances Sex Drive
As you might have surmised, tequila enhances sex drive. As much of alcohol it increases libido and sexual arousal.
20. Boost Bone Health
A substance in the tequila plant, agave tequilana also known as tequila agave, improves the absorption of calcium and magnesium, minerals that boost bone health.
In animal studies, compounds in blue agave called fructans appear to help prevent bone loss and aid bone formation. In a 2014 study reported by medicalnewstoday.com, mice who were fed 10% agave fructans showed an increase in calcium levels in their bones and blood, leading researchers to believe that agave fructans supplementation may improve bone formation and prevent bone loss.
This study showed some great promise in the treatment of osteoporosis. However, the study hasn’t been carried over to humans. In research, just because something is promising with mice doesn’t mean the results will carry over to humans; more research is needed. It also behooves us to remember that the mice didn’t drink tequila but were given a chemical found in tequila.
Read: Foods That Support Bone Health
Potential Risks of Tequila
Also, be aware that there are some conditions which drinking alcohol before bed can be detrimental.
Sleep Apnea
Drinking alcohol before bed can increase the risk of sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is also known as obstructive sleep apnea, and sleep apnoea is a sleep disorder.
Sleep apnea forces the body to partially rouse itself over and over again in order to restore proper breathing, preventing sufferers from getting the deep, restful sleep they need.
As liver enzymes metabolize the alcohol during the night and the blood alcohol level decreases, these individuals are also more likely to experience sleep disruptions and decreases in sleep quality.
Rem Sleep
Alcohol may reduce REM sleep in the first half of the night, creating an imbalance in your sleep cycle.
Why this can be detrimental is REM sleep, which is often considered the most mentally restorative phase of sleep.
REM sleep takes place about 90 minutes after falling asleep and when dreaming occurs. This part of the sleep cycle is thought to be when our bodies are in a restorative state. When REM sleep is disturbed, the effects the next day can show themselves as being tired and having poor concentration.
It is important to note that tequila should not be consumed in excess. If you consume too much tequila, you may experience negative side effects.
More Warnings
Remember, pregnant women, individuals under the legal drinking age, individuals with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications, those that are unable to control the amount they drink or recovering from an alcohol use disorder, and anyone operating machinery or driving a car should not drink alcohol.
Conclusion
While tequila is definitely not a “health food,” it is thought to have several surprising health benefits.
However, as interesting as tequila is, the beverage isn’t a magical cure-all. It’s best not to depend on any substance, particularly alcohol, on a regular basis.
Drinking tequila or any alcohol should be done in moderation and responsibly. Also, do not rely on tequila to cure any disease, and seek your doctor’s advice. Without a doctor’s advice, it can be very dangerous and even lead to death.
Are the Benefits of Tequila Before Bed fact, fiction, or great science? Whatever your thoughts are, do know that alcohol consumption in excess can be addictive and can cause other diseases. Also know, researchers need to carry out much more research on alcohol consumption levels and different types of alcohol to confirm any potential benefits.
Have you had any health benefits you believe you’ve achieved with tequila? Please comment below.
I’ve been struggling with insomnia for almost 3 yrs; have tried multiple OTC and prescription meds- nothing has been consistent to help. Yesterday, coincidentally, I had a margarita while dining at a Mexican restaurant in the early evening. I fell asleep at 8:15 ( normally I’m up til after midnight). I slept a full 8 hrs, feeling great today.
Hi Pam,
Thank you for visiting and sharing your experience with insomnia. I understand how challenging it can be to cope with sleep issues and the frustration that comes with trying various medications without consistent success. Your comment about having such a positive experience with sleep after having a margarita is interesting. I’m sure you found it a welcome relief especially after having no luck with medications. Just be careful not to use alcohol consistently or you could end up with another problem, which by you being a retired nurse I’m sure you are already aware. Once again thank you for you comment, and we hope you continue to stop by.
Debbie