Tequila is a distilled beverage made from the blue agave plant, primarily in the area surrounding the city of Tequila and in the central western Mexican state of Jalisco. The red volcanic soils of the region of Tequila are where the blue agave thrive, and where more than 300 million agave plants are harvested every year.

Commonly known for being served “neat” in Mexico, and as a shot with salt and a lime chaser around the world, the largest consumer of tequila is the United States with an average of 20 million, 9-liter cases sold in the US annually.

If a bottle of tequila does not stipulate on the label that it is manufactured from 100% blue agave, then it is not authentic and is classified as ‘mixto’ (manufactured from at least 51% blue agave).

While some lower quality tequila distributors may mark their product as best served iced cold, this is only suggested because of the quality of the product being consumed will likely have that ‘burning’ after-effect. Top shelf tequila is smooth without cubes of ice assisting it.

Moreover, while its known that consumption of too much of any alcohol can be harmful, tequila studies have proven that in small doses, tequila may actually provide many health benefits such as:

Good for your bones due to the agave substance that improves absorption of calcium, magnesium, and minerals into your bones

Improves digestion as the agave tequila plant contains high levels of insulin which induces better digestion by growing good bacteria.

Helps to control blood sugar and promotes weight loss according to the American Chemical Society, as the sugar contained in the agave plant called ‘agavins’ help lower blood sugar and additionally help people feel fuller, thus eat less, which, in turn, promotes weight loss.

It can aid in sleep, as tequila has reportedly calm’s the nerves, relaxes the body and has been known to be helpful with insomniacs.

Is a probiotic because of the fractans in tequila are known to supply probiotics to the body that boost your immune system.

And numbs pain as when tequila enters the body, it dilates the blood vessels that helps transport blood to all our body parts, lessening body pain.

So not only is tequila delightful in drinks such as margarita’s and tequila sunrises, but it also may provide some health benefits due to the nutritional components of the amazing agave plant. Also speak with your physician before trying any health regimen or change in diet, and always speak to your bartender when interesting in experiencing the best Tequilas available.