Is There A Healthier Alcohol Choice? Here's What Experts Say

Most people drink to unwind or occasionally to socialise and get chatty. However, as more research connects alcohol to health problems, people are changing their habits. Everyone agrees that alcohol is not good for the body, but are all alcohols created equal?

California gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi recently posted on TikTok that if you're going to drink, maybe tequila isn't so bad. He adds that, though tequila is not "healthy" per se, it does have some properties that make it different from other liquors. While grain-based spirits are made from the grain, tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which is gluten-free by nature and contains low sugar and carbohydrate counts. This can be an important distinction for those sensitive to gluten or those who manage their blood sugar levels.

A study performed at the Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados in Mexico reveals that agave-based tequila does not contribute to an increase in blood sugar levels. The reasons behind this phenomenon are primarily attributed to its unique structure. The plant itself comprises some non-digestible elements that contribute less towards increasing blood sugar levels in comparison to other alcoholic beverages.

Other natural compounds in Agave include fructans and fructooligosaccharides, or FOS, which have a prebiotic effect; according to Medical News Today, it has the potential to increase gut bacteria. In studies done at the University of Guadalajara, these compounds increase the action of digestion and can assist with gastrointestinal issues. Because the blue agave preserves a medication for gastrointestinal problems with a water-proof coating from dilution, more is absorbed into the body in full strength as the drug travels through the digestive system.

Another reason alcohol is detrimental is the way it metabolizes into acetaldehyde, the toxin documented to harm DNA and enhance the likelihood of cancer. But "these people's livers and DNA might just thank them," notes Dr. Sethi, citing a study that suggests tequila breaks down into acetaldehyde at a much slower pace than other alcohol, which means potentially less severe hangover symptoms and an even reduced risk of long-term damage. This may partly be the reason other people have fewer hangovers when they consume tequila.

Another reason is that pure tequila made from 100% blue agave has fewer congeners, byproducts of fermentation, compared to darker liquors. A study made by Brown University's Behavioral and Social Sciences Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies indicates these congeners are correlated with the severity of a hangover. Therefore, tequila may be the less severe choice for drinking responsibly.

Whereas a 1-ounce shot of vodka packs around 96 calories, a shot of tequila has approximately 64, which would make barely a dent in calorie expenditure. Also, tequila's natural sweetness often disposes of using high-calorie, sugary sodas and drinks that trigger weight gain. "You can't negate the pros by mixing it with drinks that are filled with added sugar," cautions Sethi. Added sugar or extra calories result in various metabolic issues with time.

Dr. Sethi also points out that although tequila is somewhat more healthy than other types of alcohol, the healthiest drink is always to minimize alcohol consumption as much as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, for instance, recommend no more than one drink in a day for women, while men should limit their consumption to no more than two drinks in a day. While offering fewer hangovers or more calories, those benefits barely compare to risks caused by frequent or excessive intake of alcohol.

For those who still want to drink, going for 100% blue agave tequila, minus the sugary mixers, may cut some of the immediate effects such as hangovers and discomfort in the digestive system. No alcohol is truly "healthy," and moderate drinking will have long-term health implications. If health is the main priority, not drinking at all is the best choice.

Whether you have a tequila shot once in a while or not at all, knowing the facts can help you make more informed choices and prioritize your well-being in the long run.