Alcohol has been used for thousands of years.
People in ancient Mesopotamia drank a low grade beer every day to stay hydrated and avoid being sickened by waterborne bacterias. On our side of the world, our mesoamerican ancestors developed Pulque, a fermented agave drink, to reap the many nutrients and probiotics the plants yield. So we’ve known of the potential for healthy benefits from consuming agave fermented drinks for a while now. But what about agave distillates?
Mindbodygreen published a list of the 8 Alcohols That Have Health Perks & How to Enjoy Them Mindfully, and of course we’re thrilled that two of our favorite agave distillates make the cut. Mezcal was recognized for being the purest spirit on the market, while tequila was recognized for its properties that assist in blood sugar balance due to its naturally occurring agave sugar that serves as a dietary fiber.
Purest spirit on the market: mezcal
This agave-based spirit has a distinct, smokey flavor, so it’s nice to sip and savor. Straight up, mezcal is very low in sugar and calories thanks to its traditional production process. By law, it must contain 100% agave, which means no added sugar. According to the article:
The fermentation process for mezcal uses the agave heart and includes prebiotic fibers that may have some health benefits like supporting the microbiome, though research in humans is still needed. Single-ingredient mezcals may also be metabolized faster, meaning fewer hangover symptoms.
Best for blood sugar balance: tequila
Tequila is also agave-based and it shares the low-sugar, low-calorie benefits of other clear liquors. It may also help balance blood sugar, when compared to other alcoholic beverages thanks to a naturally-occurring sugar in the agave plant that serves as a dietary fiber.
Some evidence also finds that tequila may not be as severe a depressant as other types of alcohol.
These two are the agave distillates that make the top of our list too, especially right now since we know where to find other Mexican made artisanal distillates too add to the list like sotol or raicia. For now, we’ll sit back and take a shot of the purest mezcal and most healthy tequila and smile.
¡Salud!
