Sweetener Extracted from Tequila Plant could Help Lower Blood Sugar Levels

Though tequila alone may be unlikely to lower blood sugar, the sweetener extracted from the plant may be able to help. A recent study shows, in fact, that sweet substances can actually lower blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes and may even help others lose weight, as well. 

Made from the agave plant, the natural form of sugar that's found in this natural element--otherwise known as agavins--is non-digestible and can act as a dietary fiber. In other words, you don't have to worry about this sweetener raising blood glucose levels. 

"We have found that since agavins reduce glucose levels and increase GLP-1, they also increase the amount of insulin," said Mercedes G. Lopez, one of the researchers, via a press release. "Agavins are not expensive and they have no known side effects, except for those few people who cannot tolerate them."

The GLP-1 hormone works by emptying the stomach through the stimulation production of insulin. In other words, agavins may help those with diabetes to feel fuller and eat less as a result. 

Since agavins do not contain any fructose, they do not raise blood sugar levels like high-fructose corn syrup. They are fructans that are linked together via long branched chains that can be used by the human body. In other words, this means that agavins will not raise blood sugar levels and can be a useful asset to many sweeteners. 

"This study represents the first attempt to evaluate agavins as sweeteners in spite of their lower sweetness compared to sugar," Lopez added, via the release. 

Could these findings mean new changes for sweetner products, particularly to help those suffering from type 2 diabetes? 

What do you think? 

More information regarding the findings were presented at the 247th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.