Tequila Plant May Help Shed Pounds, Lower Cholesterol

JALISCO, Mexico--The blue agave plant, which is distilled to make tequila, shows great potential for both weight loss and cholesterol reduction, according to scientists from the University of Guadalajara, which is located amid the tequila-making region of Mexico. While tequila itself is devoid of these specific health benefits, the juice extracted from blue agave contains fructans, including inulin. Fructans reduce cholesterol and alter absorption of fat in the intestine--at least in animals, said Jorge Segura Ortega, M.D., research leader. His team of 20 researchers has begun an 18-month study of agave, aiming to find similar results of these health benefits. Segura Ortega reported positive results from this study would not only help consumers, but it would also help thousands of Mexican agave farmers who have suffered collapsed material prices in recent years.