TEQUILA JOINS THE BATTLE OF THE BULGE

THE SUGAR that gives tequila its kick could also help us stay slim. Researchers say the plant sugars that are fermented to create the Mexican spirit hold tremendous potential when it comes to weight loss. Tests show the sugars from the cactus-like agave plant (which are not the same as in the more commonly known agave syrup) raise levels of a gut hormone that tells the brain it is time to stop eating. The hormone also keeps food in the stomach for longer, enhancing the feeling of fullness. Additionally, the slightly-sweet tasting sugars known as agavins aren’t actually processed by the body – meaning they can’t make people fat. The lack of absorption by the body also means they should be free of headaches and other side-effects that artificial sweeteners can cause. Mice given water laced with agavins ate less and lost more weight than animals given water containing artificial sweeteners. Their blood glucose levels also fell, suggesting that the sweetener could be useful for diabetics, said researchers at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Dallas. Previous research suggests they also strengthen the bones. But don’t toast your new weight loss program with a shot of tequila just yet. Unfortunately, agavins lose their health-boosting properties when processed meaning drinking tequila won’t have the same effect.