Tequila: Are There Health Benefits?

Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on November 03, 2022
Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors
3 min read

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. But it may serve as a lower-calorie alternative to other spirits.

One fluid ounce of tequila (80 proof) contains: 

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

Tequila has less sugar and 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.

Drinking alcohol in moderation may provide health benefits. For women, moderate consumption is about one drink a day. 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:

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

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

  • Driving
  • Drinking when under the legal drinking age
  • Depressed
  • You are unable to control the amount you drink
  • You’re pregnant or trying to conceive

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:

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.