Sugars found in tequila could help you lose weight
A new study suggests that agavins, the sugars found in the plant used to make tequila, may offer health benefits to people who suffer from obesity or diabetes.
Want to lose weight? Drink more tequila! No, seriously — well, kind of…
A new study suggests that agavins, the sugars found in the plant used to make tequila, may offer health benefits to people who suffer from obesity or diabetes. The research, lead by Mercedes G. López, Ph.D. of Guanajuato, Mexico, was presented earlier this week at the 247th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS) in Dallas.
According to the study, agavins increase the body's production of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1), a hormone that slows the stomach from emptying. Raised levels of GLP-1 tell the brain that it's time to stop eating, thus suppressing your appetite.
Researchers also found that agavins could help type-2 diabetics lower their blood sugar levels. Not to be confused with agave nectar found in the popular syrup, agavins are non-digestible and can act as a dietary fiber, so they would not raise blood glucose. Plus, they are one of the best sugars at aiding the growth of healthful microbes in the mouth and intestines.
Phys.org explains how Lopez and her team conducted the study:
The team fed a group of mice a standard diet and added agavins to their daily water. They weighed the mice daily and checked their glucose blood levels weekly. Most mice that drank agavins ate less, lost weight and their blood glucose levels decreased when compared to other sweeteners such glucose, fructose, sucrose, agave syrup and aspartame.
Based on their findings, the researchers believe that agavins could be a viable light sweetener substitute that would rival those on the market today.
[phys.org]