Did you ever know that tequila can help you lose weight? While tequila is definitely not a “health food”, it actually has several surprising health benefits.Look for “100% agave” tequila, to get the best health benefits, and stick to 1-2 shots. Here are 10 surprising benefits of tequila.

1. It can help you lose weight
Crazy, right? Generally the rule is, if you want to lose weight, don’t drink alcohol. Remember, liquid calories go down so much easier than we realize, so it’s still true. But if you can manage to drink a controlled amount of tequila you can benefit from the weight-loss properties of agavins, which are a particular kind of sugar in tequila. Not be confused with agave nectar, agavins have a less refined molecular structure which doesn’t raise the blood sugar levels. As a result, many of the calories pass through the system unused as opposed to other alcohol sugars, which are not so glycemic index friendly. It also stimulates the metabolism and helps to dissolve fats.

2. It aids digestion
Taking a shot of tequila after a meal has been linked to aiding digestion as well. Some suggest a shot before a meal to rev up your metabolism and appetite, and then a shot after to soothe and assist digestion.

3. It’s probiotic
You’ve probably heard about probiotics by now, but if not, probiotics are the healthy bacteria that naturally populate our intestines. They are responsible for most of our immune system and help our bodies keep a healthy balance. Some of the fructans which tequila is derived from actually supply these good guys!

Again, we’re talking about small amounts of tequila. Getting drunk will most likely do the exact opposite and wipe out your natural reserves of healthy bacteria as your immune system is forced to work overtime on the toxins inherent in any alcohol.

4. It’s prebiotic
Setting the stage for the good bacteria, prebiotics help tend the ground, so to speak. They create a living space for them. According to this study, the prebiotic attributes of tequila help make the intestines a more friendly environment for healthy bacteria to thrive.

Again, not too much.

5. It may help fight osteoporosis
Again with those agavins! They have been linked in several studies to aiding the body in calcium absorption, and therefore, might be a viable option for preventing the development of fragile or brittle bones.

6. It may help prevent Type 2 Diabetes.
It also presents the opportunity for diabetics to enjoy tequila now and again, as the fructans being non-digestible, acts as fiber. By passing through the body undigested, it avoids the dangerous blood sugar spike as well as stimulates insulin production.

Obviously, if you have diabetes, talk to your doctor before you start taking shots of tequila, as every individual is different and reactions can vary.

7. It may lower chances of developing dementia
The BBC reported studies show a link between people who drink moderate amounts of alcohol (including tequila) to having a lower incidence of dementia later in life. But be careful! It also showed a correlation between people who drank too much alcohol and having far higher rates of dementia onsets.

8. It helps necessary drugs make it to the colon
People with diseases affecting their digestive systems, such as Crohn’s Disease, IBS and colitis, might be getting a boost from the fructans in tequila as it contains natural chemical carriers which protect the necessary drugs so they can get past the stomach acid, and to the colon where it is needed. Scientists are looking into using these fructans in prescription drugs for these diseases.

9. It helps curb insomnia
Thanks to it’s relaxing benefits, tequila can help calm the nerves and may even aid in inducing sleep for the deprived. It’s best not to depend on any substance, particularly alcohol, on a regular basis. But now and then it may just be that extra something you can enjoy to unwind. And snooze!

10. It doesn’t give you a hangover
That is if you drink the high shelf stuff. Again, you have to drink “100% agave” tequila to get this benefit. Cheaper brands will be filled out with other sugar alcohols, which will knock you out.

No alcohol is healthy, but if you’re inclined to have a drink once in a while, tequila might not be such a bad choice. Cheers!