The tequila agave plant (Agave tequilana) offers more than just its intoxicating abilities; it can also help maintain bone health and prevent osteoporosis. Research at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies (Cinvestav) in Mexico found that Agave azul, the blue variety of Agave tequilana, contains substances that aid the absorption of calcium and magnesium, two essential minerals for strong, healthy bones.
The study’s findings show that the Agave azul plant contains fructans like the soluble fibers inulin and oligofructose. When combined with a healthy gut microbiota, these fructans encourage new bone formation even after osteoporosis has set in.
Animal Experiments: Osteoporosis Induced in Mice
These findings come from animal experiments in which researchers removed the ovaries of female mice to encourage osteoporosis. These mice were then given fructans from the Agave azul plant. Eight weeks later, researchers took femur samples from the mice and found that mice who consumed Agave azul fructans had over 50 percent more osteocalcin, the body’s bone-building protein, in their femur than mice who did not. These mice also had a higher bone diameter than the other mice.
Besides highlighting the obvious bone-building benefits of Agave azul fructans, this study offers yet another reason to keep your gut flora flourishing. These fructans need the cooperation of your intestinal microbiota to become the short-chain fatty acids that ultimately capture available calcium and magnesium minerals and deliver them to your cells.
Lead researcher Dr. Mercedes Lopez explained, “We have a second chance to take advantage of the nutrients that were no longer available to the body. However, it is very important that people have a healthy intestinal microbiome because only then it is possible that bacteria ferment fructans to transform them into fatty acids.”
The Importance of a Healthy Gut
So, a very promising osteoporosis treatment is on the horizon. This is good news for women over 50, since 50 percent of women over the age of 50 will fracture a bone as a result of osteoporosis. Quite often, it’s a hip fracture, which can lead to an earlier death for many women.
Men over the age of 50 should also take note. Although women are more frequently diagnosed with osteoporosis, 80,000 men fracture bones as a result of the condition each year. Therefore, regardless of your gender, you could benefit from Agave tequilana.
However, if you are looking for these health benefits, taking tequila shots will not be sufficient. Instead, focus on consuming natural sources of fructans, such as the agave nectar used as a natural sweetener. Remember, these fructans work in synergy with a healthy gut microbiota, so ensure you’re maintaining good gut health by eating prebiotic and probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, garlic, and onions.
It’s also essential to ensure you’re getting enough calcium and magnesium. Calcium-rich foods include milk and dairy products, green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish. Magnesium is plentiful in foods like avocado, dark chocolate, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis
In addition to incorporating the tequila plant’s fructans into your diet, there are several other ways to prevent and treat osteoporosis:
- Maintain a healthy weight and exercise regularly, particularly weight-bearing exercises like walking, jogging, dancing, and climbing stairs, as well as resistance exercises like lifting weights and using resistance bands.
- Don’t smoke and limit alcohol intake, as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can reduce bone mass and increase the risk of fractures.
- Consult a healthcare professional about bone density testing and medications that can help prevent or treat osteoporosis.
In conclusion, the tequila agave plant – Agave tequilana – offers promising potential health benefits for preventing and treating osteoporosis. By consuming foods rich in the plant’s fructans, as well as maintaining a healthy gut microbiota and ensuring a sufficient intake of calcium and magnesium, you can help keep your bones strong and healthy. As always, consult your healthcare professional before implementing any significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.
