Natural sugar used in tequila reduces weight, blood sugar

Agavins, whcih come from the plant agave, are not expensive. They are not known to have any side effects. (Thinkstock)

WASHINGTON – The natural sugar used to make tequila could offer health benefits to people with diabetes and the obese, research out of Mexico finds.

Agavins are from the agave plant and are non-digestible. They act as a dietary fiber.

Agave can be used to be used to make tequila, but it’s not the same as the agave syrup you get in the grocery store.

Mice fed agavins in their water ate less and had lower blood glucose levels, according to research presented at the National Meeting of the American Chemical Society in Dallas.

The mice also produced a hormone called GLP-1. GLP-1 slows how quickly the stomach empties and stimulates the production of insulin. It essentially keeps the stomach fuller for longer.

“We have found that since agavins reduce glucose levels and increase GLP-1, they also increase the amount of insulin,” said researcher Mercedes G. L

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