Health

May 2025

7 Reasons Why A Shot Of Tequila Is Good For You

After a long day, following a breakup, during a Cinco de Mayo celebration, or simply because it’s 5 o’clock somewhere, you might enjoy a shot of tequila. There’s no need to feel ashamed about it—tequila can actually have health benefits (yes, really!). Keep reading to discover seven health benefits of tequila that you may not be aware of.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 96-100
Protein: 0 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Sugar: 0 grams

Tequila’s calories come solely from its alcohol content. Each gram of alcohol provides about seven calories.

It’s worth noting that the nutritional information can vary slightly depending on the proof (alcohol by volume) of the tequila. Tequila typically has an alcohol content between 35 and 55 percent. Higher proof tequilas will have slightly more calories.

Also, be aware that any mixers added to tequila cocktails will significantly increase the calorie, carbohydrate, and sugar content. For example, a margarita or a tequila sunrise will have considerably more calories and sugar than a straight shot of tequila.

Tequila Health Benefits

Before you grab yourself a shot or pour yourself a strong margarita, here is what you need to know about the health benefits of tequila.

1. Lowers Blood Sugar

Agavina is a natural sugar that comes from the agave plant used to produce tequila. It triggers insulin production and therefore lowers blood sugar.

2. Lowers Your Cholesterol

It’s widely known that increasing fiber in your diet helps reduce cholesterol levels.

Similar to fiber, agavins lower triglycerides in the blood and levels of cholesterol, as determined by researchers in Plant Foods For Human

3. Helps Fight Colds

In the 1930s, doctors in Mexico promoted a tequila concoction—similar to a Margarita—to combat the common cold: 0.5 ounces of tequila, 0.5 ounces of agave nectar, and 0.5 ounces of fresh lime juice.

4. A Natural Painkiller

Tequila has been proven to dilate the blood vessels, which results in better blood flow and can help minimize pain levels.

5. It’s Diabetes Approved

The high sugar content in many types of alcohol can be a significant concern for diabetics. However, they can confidently order a shot of tequila at the bar, as tequila contains much less sugar compared to other spirits. This reduced sugar content results in a lower impact on blood sugar levels.

6. Built-In Bloat Fighter

Raise your glass and celebrate this because tequila helps to regulate the absorption of fat in your intestines.

7. It Helps Cleanse Your Colon

Researchers at Mexico’s University of Guadalajara have claimed that blue agave found in tequila helps deliver drugs to the colon, which helps to treat illnesses such as Crohn’s disease, colitis and irritable bowel syndrome. There’s even research that points to relief from colon cancer.

Potential Risks of Tequila

Despite the potential health benefits of tequila suggested by some studies, even moderate alcohol consumption, including tequila, is not without risks. Certain situations and individual conditions make any level of alcohol intake potentially harmful:

Driving: Alcohol impairs judgment and reaction time, making driving under the influence extremely dangerous and illegal.
Underage Drinking: Alcohol consumption is illegal and harmful for individuals under the legal drinking age, as their brains are still developing.
Depression: Alcohol is a depressant and can worsen symptoms of depression and other mood disorders.
Loss of Control: Individuals who struggle to control their alcohol intake should abstain entirely.
Pregnancy and Trying to Conceive: Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can lead to severe consequences for the developing fetus, including stillbirth, miscarriage, and fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). It is also advisable to avoid alcohol when trying to conceive.
Breastfeeding: Alcohol passes into breast milk and can be harmful to a nursing infant.

Furthermore, it is crucial to be aware of medication interactions. Alcohol can interact harmfully with numerous medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness, increasing their toxicity, or causing unpleasant and dangerous side effects such as nausea, drowsiness, incoordination, respiratory problems, internal bleeding, or heart problems. Always carefully read medication labels and follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist regarding alcohol consumption while taking medication. When in doubt, it is best to err on the side of caution and avoid alcohol.

If you choose to drink tequila, it is crucial to do so in moderation (up to one standard drink per day for women and up to two for men) and be aware of these potential adverse effects and risk factors. If you are concerned about your alcohol consumption or its impact on your health, please consult a healthcare professional.

May 5, 2025 by Corey Legetty

Sea Moss Isn’t a Cure-All—Let’s Talk Balance

Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, has a long, transnational story—one that stretches from the stormy coasts of Ireland to the sun-soaked Caribbean islands and the Atlantic shores of West Africa. It was used in Ireland during the potato famine of the 1840s, often as a last resort food, boiled into soups or added to broths to provide trace nutrients during times of scarcity.

In Caribbean cultures, sea moss evolved into something more. Known widely in Jamaica and Trinidad as a tonic for sexual health, stamina, and overall energy, it was mixed with condensed milk, linseed, flaxseed, and sometimes even Guinness beer or rum. This wasn’t just health food—it was a cultural ritual.

For many in the African diaspora, especially in Black wellness circles today, sea moss represents a return to ancestral knowledge—a powerful act of reclaiming traditional ways of healing in a world where Western medicine hasn’t always been equitable or inclusive. In the U.S., the growing demand is tied to the holistic health movement among Black millennials and Gen Z, who are turning to African and Caribbean herbal practices for wellness and empowerment

What the Science Says Sea Moss Can Actually Do

Sea moss has many benefits. It is rich in 92 of the 102 essential minerals the human body needs. This includes:

Iodine – vital for thyroid hormone production
Magnesium – supports muscle and nerve function
Zinc – boosts the immune system
Calcium & Phosphorus – for bones and teeth
Potassium – regulates blood pressure
Vitamins A, C, E, and K – support skin, immune health, and more

Here’s what researchers and medical sources say it might help with:

Thyroid Function: Iodine is critical for healthy thyroid performance. Sea moss is a natural source, but too much iodine can be just as dangerous as too little.
Digestive Support: Sea moss is mucilaginous (gel-like), meaning it coats the gut lining and helps support gut health and regularity.
Immunity: Contains antioxidants and bioactive compounds that may reduce inflammation.
Skin Health: Vitamins and minerals in sea moss are often used in skincare for their moisturizing and healing properties.

But here’s the key: these benefits are modest and depend on the quality of the sea moss, your diet, and lifestyle.

What It Doesn’t Cure, Despite Instagram Claims

Let’s get real. Social media is full of influencers selling the idea that sea moss can “cure everything.” And while it’s easy to see why people are looking for natural solutions, especially in communities where access to healthcare is limited or inequitable, it’s important not to overstate what sea moss can do.

Debunked or Unproven Claims:

“Sea moss cures cancer.”
There is no clinical evidence that sea moss cures or prevents cancer. While it contains antioxidants, this doesn’t mean it stops cancer from developing.
“It treats COVID-19.”
There were waves of online posts claiming that sea moss prevented COVID-19. This is false. No plant or supplement alone can protect you from a virus. Trust the data and vaccines, not viral TikToks.
“Weight loss miracle”
Some say sea moss helps you drop weight fast. Truth? It may help reduce appetite because of its fiber, but real weight loss comes from long-term diet and activity changes.
“Detoxes the body”
Here’s a science fact: your liver and kidneys already detox your body every day. Sea moss doesn’t remove “toxins” from your blood—this is a popular but misleading health myth.

Hidden Risks People Don’t Talk About

Even natural things can be harmful if misused.

Too Much Iodine – Sea moss has high iodine levels. Overconsumption can lead to thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism (WebMD).
Heavy Metals – Sea moss absorbs metals from the water it grows in, including arsenic, mercury, and lead. Buy from reputable sellers and look for lab-tested products.
Digestive Upset – For some, large doses can cause bloating, nausea, or diarrhea.

How to Use Natural Remedies With Medical Care, Not Instead of It

Sea moss can be part of a balanced, holistic lifestyle—but it shouldn’t replace medical care.

This is especially important in Black and brown communities, where distrust in healthcare is rooted in real histories—Tuskegee, forced sterilizations, racial bias in pain treatment. It’s understandable why many people turn to traditional remedies. But we can combine ancestral knowledge with modern science for the best care possible.

Talk to Your Doctor

Bring sea moss up at your next check-up. Don’t be shy. Many doctors are more open to discussing herbs and supplements today.
If you’re pregnant, nursing, or have thyroid issues, you must check in before using sea moss.

Stick to Safe Dosages

Recommended: 1–2 tablespoons of sea moss gel per day
Too much can harm your thyroid or kidneys.

Choose Quality

Avoid “pool-grown” sea moss—it’s mass-produced and nutritionally inferior.
Look for wildcrafted or organic sea moss from clean, deep ocean sources.
Support Black-owned wellness brands that lab-test their products. Try Vital Vegan Inc. or Plant Based Jeff—they source ethically and serve the community.

Combine Remedies With Wellness Routines

Sea moss + water + fiber-rich diet = gut health
Sea moss + strength training = better recovery
Sea moss + regular checkups = empowered, long life

Why Balance Matters in Our Healing Journey

Healing isn’t just about what you eat. It’s about how you live.

In many African and diasporic traditions, healing is communal, spiritual, and ancestral. Sea moss connects us to those roots, but balance is still essential.

True healing looks like:

Eating greens and drinking water
Sea moss and regular exercise
Prayer and blood pressure checks
Elder knowledge and science-backed research

Sea moss is a gift from the ocean. It’s nutrient-rich, steeped in tradition, and has earned its spot in the natural wellness world. But it’s not magic—and it’s not medicine on its own.

To our people: don’t be swayed by Instagram hype without facts. Trust our roots, but also trust in balanced, informed choices. When we blend the ancestral with the scientific, we take control of our health—and that is revolutionary.