Sweet Sweet Tequila

I’ve signed up for a couple of email alerts from different websites that recommend articles for me to read about cancer, immunology, etc. Today, I happened upon the article, “ Ingredient in Tequila Plant May Fight Osteoporosis and other Diseases,” published on the Science Daily Website. Immediately I thought that this is awesome news because now I have another excuse to drink margaritas—to fight off osteoporosis! I did a quick wikipedia search and got some more info on the magical agave plant, which is used to make tequila. Predominantly found in Mexico, Agave is apparently a popular ornamental plant and many parts of it are edible. The sap of the blue agave plant is fermented and distilled to make tequila. Studies have shown that fructans, found in agave, are responsible for the therapeutic benefits associated with the plant. As I continued reading the Science Daily article, studies suggesting fructans have therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes, obesity, and constipation were cited in addition to the recent findings concerning osteoporosis presented at the 239th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. Furthermore, studies have indicated that fructans stimulate the immune system. I did find a few articles that support these key points, listed below. Then comes the bombshell, about three paragraphs in. “Fructans do not occur in tequila, however, because they change into alcohol when agave is used to make tequila.” Seriously? I knew it was too good to be true! Apparently a weekly happy hour featuring Patrone won’t save me from a hunchback.

Sources:

1. American Chemical Society (2010, March 23). Ingredient in tequila plant may fight osteoporosis and other diseases. ScienceDaily.

2. Lobo AR, Cocato ML, Jorgetti V, de Sá LR, Nakano EY, Colli C. Changes in bone mass, biomechanical properties, and microarchitecture of calcium- and iron-deficient rats fed diets supplemented with inulin-type fructans. Nutr Res. 2009 Dec;29(12):873-81.

3. Ryz NR, Meddings JB, Taylor CG. Long-chain inulin increases dendritic cells in the Peyer's patches and increases ex vivo cytokine secretion in the spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes of growing female rats, independent of zinc status. Br J Nutr. 2009 Jun;101(11):1653-63.

4. Urías-Silvas JE, Cani PD, Delmée E, Neyrinck A, López MG, Delzenne NM.Physiological effects of dietary fructans extracted from Agave tequilana Gto. and Dasylirion spp. Br J Nutr. 2008 Feb;99(2):254-61.