Tequila's Health Benefits

Did you know that July 24^th is National Tequila Day? Well I didn't either until just recently. I am a fan of tequila, as long as it is consumed in moderation. I like a shot of Patron every now and again, and who doesn't enjoy a delicious margarita? In honor of National Tequila Day, I decided to find out if tequila actually has any health benefits. One of the funniest songs I've ever heard is about tequila making a woman's clothes fall off. Joe Nichols sings,

"She said I'm going out with my girlfriends
Margaritas at the Holiday Inn
Lord have mercy, my only thought
Was Tequila makes her clothes fall off

I told her put an extra layer on
I know what happens when she drinks Patron
Her closet's missing half the things she's bought
Ya Tequila makes her clothes fall off"

That has been the experience of many people I know, though not me of course. Anyone who says otherwise is simply misinformed. Back to the health benefits. According to studies done by the Dutch and Americans, there are health benefits in consuming tequila. The difference in these studies is that the Dutch believe you can drink more than the Americans believe is beneficial. Unfortunately with "studies", one month something is good for you, the next month it's bad. As of now, tequila is on the good list.

Health Benefits of Tequila:

*Tequila dissolves fat and has been shown to reduce bad cholesterol and increase your good cholesterol.

*In small to moderate amounts, it is a heart healthy drink.

*When you are feeling stressed, one shot of tequila can help you relax.

*According to Tequila Health, if you drink a small glass of tequila after eating your dinner, it helps you digest your food faster.

*Tequila Health also says that drinking moderate amounts of tequila can help reduce your chances of getting dementia in later years.

Non-Health Benefits of Tequila:

*As with any alcohol, it can be addicting.

*Oxford University's latest study says that drinking even fewer than 3 alcohol drinks a day, can increase your risk of a many types of cancer. This is especially true in females.

*Tequila, as with any other type of alcohol, can lead to alcohol poisoning if too much is consumed at one time.

You will have to decide for yourself if tequila is something you want to drink. Many Americans are enjoying the various types and brands of tequila on the market. In 2007, the U.S. overtook Mexico in sales of tequila. Top-Shelf tequila can be very expensive, and in NY, certain tequilas can cost up to $50 a shot! Patron Silver is popular tequila in the U.S. and a 750ML bottle will cost you $40-60 at the liquor store. It will cost you at least 3 or 4 times that in most bars and clubs. Other popular brands that are less expensive are Jose Cuervo and Sauza. Those are found in the $20 range. The only real differences seem to be that the silver tequilas generally come at a premium price. They are thought to taste better and leave less likelihood of a hang over. I've had top shelf tequilas in Mexico and the U.S. and I am a fan of Jose Cuervo. There is a slight advantage to top shelf in taste and quality but overall I would not rate it as worth the extra money.

The thing to remember with tequila, as with any alcohol, is to drink responsibly. If you keep it in moderation, you may never hear your friend singing you Joe Nichols song..." Her friends will joke about the stuff she lost
ya tequila makes her clothes fall off ".

Sources:http://donmodesto.wordpress.com/2009/07/
http://www.euromonitor.com/US_overtakes_Mexico_as_tequila_leader
http://www.winespiritsdaily.com/2009/03/tequila-new-vodka.html