Is Tequila Actually ‘Clean’ and Healthier Than Other Liquors?

Because tequila is made from agave, some people assume it’s a “natural” and even “healthy” alcohol. But experts say there’s no safe amount of alcohol recommended for health benefits.

Tequila tends to be lower in calories than some other forms of alcohol and usually contains fewer additives, but fewer doesn’t mean none.

What about its agave base? You don’t get the benefits of agave by drinking tequila. The distillation process removes any nutrients. The same goes for agave syrup, which loses most of its nutritional value during processing.

While some research has linked tequila to potential health effects, many of those studies were done in animals, not humans.

If you enjoy tequila and want a lower-calorie, low-sugar option that fits your diet, it might be a better choice than a sugary cocktail or heavy beer. A single shot has about 100 calories, but moderation still matters, especially if you want to avoid a hangover.

Tequila contains fewer congeners—fermentation byproducts that contribute to hangovers—than darker alcohols, but that doesn’t mean it’s hangover-proof. Hangovers depend more on factors unique to you than on what type of alcohol you drink.

If you have certain health conditions or take medications, your healthcare provider will likely advise you to limit or avoid alcohol, no matter what claims you’ve heard about its benefits.