Could this ‘healthier’ alcoholic alternative replace the cold frothy as every tradie’s favourite post-work bevvy?
Whether you’re downing a glass of red with dinner, a schooner down at the pub with the boys or a (kinda tasty?) guava cruiser before a big night on the town, there’s no escaping the fact that alcohol isn’t exactly ‘good’ for your body.
But while it won’t ever beat out the benefits of downing a glass of water, one doctor has taken to TikTok this week to declare there’s one alcoholic drink that stands above all the rest when it comes to looking after your health – and it’s backed by science.
According to Californian Gastroenterologist Dr. Saurabh Sethi, this top pick beats out the rest because it’s made from the ‘agave plant’, which is low in both sugar and carbs.
And researchers have found that the spirit is non-digestible – meaning it won’t spike your blood sugar levels as much as your mates wanky craft beer.
So what is this magic beverage? Well, it’s…
Yes, it’s the drink responsible for everyone’s first drunk blackout, tequila!
According to ‘the science’, agave contains compounds such as fructans and fructooligosaccharides (try saying that fast 10x), which function as prebiotics and promote healthy gut microbiota – improving digestion.
Tequila is also slower than other alcohols to break down into toxins that damage our DNA, which is what’s responsible for those nasty hangovers in the morning.
Speaking to the New York Post, Dr Sethi said: “Tequila is metabolised into acetaldehyde at a slower rate than other alcoholic beverages.
“This slower metabolism may explain why some people report fewer hangovers with tequila.”
And it’s naturally gluten-free – so it’s a double win for those with an intolerance!
But there is one possibly vomit-inducing catch.
According to the gut health expert, these benefits only apply to one hundred per cent agave tequila, so mixing the spirit with sugary drinks “negates potential advantages”.
So the health secret is to actually down a tequila shot – something I haven’t been able to stomach since high school, but hopefully you’re tougher than I am.
And if all that wasn’t enough to convince you to stock up on salt and limes, tequila is also one of the better alcohols for watching your weight, with a shot only coming out to 64 calories.
For comparison, a shot of tequila’s closest competitor, vodka, comes out to 96 calories.
Despite encouraging the ‘healthier’ alcoholic option, doctor ‘buzzkill’ did warn that any consumption should be made in moderation.
“The healthiest option is to avoid alcohol as much as possible,” he added.
But where’s the fun in that?
