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When trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, most nutritionists and doctors recommend reducing or eliminating alcohol from your diet. But recent scientific evidence has shown that agave, the plant from which tequila is made, may aid in weight loss, as well as lowering cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar This drink also fights off the common cold, makes bones stronger and breaks down fats.

Moderate alcohol consumption, typically around one drink per day, can marginally increase good cholesterol and extend life expectancy. Since the 1030s, tequila has been consumed to help cure the common cold, with an elixir that is a combination of tequila blanco —  the purest version of the spirit — agave nectar and lime juice.

The recent buzz about tequila has cited agavins, the natural sugars from the agave plant used in tequila, as the reason for these health benefits. According to Mercedes G. Lopez, a researcher at the Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados, Biotechnology and Biochemistry Irapuato, agavins cannot be digested nor absorbed. This allows them to act as a dietary fiber,without elevating blood glucose, which is important for those suffering from diabetes.

Agavins also increase the body’s concentration of GLP-1, the peptide that makes you feel fuller for longer, as the digestion process is slowed. This curbs the appetite and can therefore help weight loss.

However the sugary mixes we add to tequila make it bad for our bodies. And similarly to any other alcohol: too much of this good liquid can prove disastrous to your liver. Another important thing to note is that tequila doesn’t give you a hangover. Naysayers and spring break survivors are rolling their eyes, but scientists and mixologists alike assert its validity.

Due to their lack of absorption by the body, the agavins in the drink leave you free of headaches and other side effects caused by artificial sweeteners. Tequila naturally has no sugar or carbs. As long as the bottle says 100 percent agave and hasn’t had anything else added to it,  purified tequila is a completely gluten-free spirit that cuts down on bloating.

We all wish that the vices of life were truly benefitting our health, yet, sadly, they aren’t. Although its effects do not live up to the current hype, tequila is still a better drink option due its absence of sugar and carbs and lack of hangovers and bloating.

A version of this article appeared in the Monday, March 6th print edition. Email Drew Lederman at [email protected]