Tequila: Are There Health Benefits? - WebMD

• Diet & Weight Management
• Reference

• Popular Diet Plans
• Healthy Weight Resources
• Healthy Eating & Nutrition
  • Vitamins and Nutrients
  • Understanding Fats
• Calorie Counting
• Best & Worst Choices
• View Full Guide

• Nutrition Information
• Potential Health Benefits of Tequila
• Potential Risks of Tequila
• Healthier Alternatives

Mexico's pride and joy, and a tart and tangy margarita cocktail’s main ingredient, tequila is a distilled spirit made from the blue agave. This succulent plant grows primarily in the area around the town of Tequila in the western state of Jalisco, and in the Jalisco Highlands. 

The tequila designation is protected, applied only to a spirit made from blue agave and produced in certain areas appointed by the Mexican government. Other spirits made from agave are known as mezcal.

Many internet articles link tequila with agave’s health benefits, but the plant loses its healthful properties during the fermenting process. Tequila offers no proven benefits related to:

• Bone density
• Blood sugar
• Colon health

Enjoying tequila offers the same benefits and risks as the moderate consumption of any kind of alcohol. 

Nutrition Information

One fluid ounce of tequila (80 proof) contains: 

• Calories: 64
• Protein: 0 grams
• Fat: 0 grams
• Carbohydrates: 0 grams

Tequila has less sugar and fewer calories than similar liquors, which may make it a slightly healthier option if you drink. But when mixing it with other ingredients, be careful to account for the whole drink’s nutrition and not just the tequila measure. Cocktails can be very high in sugar and may contain other alcohols, as well.

Potential Health Benefits of Tequila

Drinking alcohol in moderation may provide health benefits. 

For women, moderate consumption is about one drink a day (5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of beer, 1.5 ounces of hard liquor). Men can have up to two drinks. This recommendation refers to the alcohol intake of any single day, not to an average across several days. 

Light to moderate alcohol use may reduce your risk of the following:

• Heart Disease
• Ischemic Stroke
• Diabetes

However, more studies are needed to confirm the relationship between moderate drinking and these benefits.

Potential Risks of Tequila

Even the moderate consumption of alcohol is not free from risks, such as when you are: 

• Driving
• Drinking when under the legal drinking age
• Depressed
• Unable to control the amount you drink
• Pregnant or trying to conceive
• Breastfeeding

If you drink alcohol when pregnant, it passes through the umbilical cord to the baby, increasing the risk of stillbirth or miscarriage. In addition, drinking while pregnant may result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Children with FASDs may show a range of physical, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms.

Medication Interactions

Many medications react harmfully with alcohol. Alcohol may make certain medications ineffective or toxic. The combination may also make you nauseous, drowsy, or uncoordinated. It may even put you at risk of respiratory problems, internal bleeding, or heart problems.

Pay attention to medication labels and to instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist. If you’re concerned about potential interaction with alcohol, don’t be afraid to ask.

Excessive Drinking

Moderate drinking can easily lead to excessive drinking, which increases the likelihood of risky behavior and can even put you in danger of alcohol poisoning. Long-term risks include:

• Alcohol dependence
• High blood pressure, heart disease, or stroke
• Depression and anxiety
• Digestive problems
• Certain cancers
• Dementia
• A weak immune system

Healthier Alternatives

Healthy Diet and Exercise

While moderate drinking may reduce your risk for certain conditions, a healthy diet and regular exercise will do even more to prevent heart disease.  

Ingredients Guide: Facts & Cooking Tips

How to Lose Weight Safely

13 Ways to Fight Sugar Cravings

Top doctors in ,

Find more top doctors on

Related Links

• Health & Diet News
• Health & Diet Medical Reference
• Health & Diet Slideshows
• Health & Diet Quizzes
• Health & Diet Videos
• Diet Blogs
• Healthy Eating
• Healthy Food Choices
• High-Protein Diet
• Mediterranean Diet
• Healthy Weight
• Calorie Deficit
• Intuitive Eating
• Weight Loss & Obesity
• Fitness & Exercise
• Food & Recipes
• Food Calculator
• BMI Calculator
• Diabetes
• Cholesterol Management