Tequila is good for you, science says

recent study shows that sugar derived from the agave plant could help lower blood sugar and fight diabetes as well as aid weight loss. That research is good news for San Antonio as about 12% of Alamo City residents are diagnosed with diabetes and South Texas has the highest mortality rate from the disease in the state. Click ahead for 11 things you can do with tequila. less recent study shows that sugar derived from the agave plant could help lower blood sugar and fight diabetes as well as aid weight loss. That research is good news for San Antonio as about 12% of Alamo City ... more Image 1 of / 18 Caption Close Tequila is good for you, science says 1 / 18 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — When you mix the Alamo City's affection for tequila with South Texas' high rates of diabetes, you might get something you didn't expect.

It is not a margarita, but a scientific breakthrough that shows that a sugar derived from the agave plant, which is used to make tequila, actually can lower blood sugar, trigger insulin production and aid in weight loss in mice.

The American Chemical Society presented the study on agavins, the sugar, this week but said more research is necessary before people begin to see the tequila sugar, if you will, on shelves.

“We believe that agavins have a great potential as light sweeteners since they are sugars, highly soluble, have a low glycemic index, and a neutral taste, but most important, they are not metabolized by humans,” the study abstract read, according to Forbes. “This puts agavins in a tremendous position for their consumption by obese and diabetic people.”

Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of death in Bexar County, according to the Texas Diabetes Institute. More than 137,000 residents, or 11.8 percent, have been diagnosed in Bexar County and nearly 2 million Texans have the disease.

Moreover, South Texas has the highest mortality rate from diabetes in the state.

The research on agavins was conducted by Mercedes G. López from the Centro de Investigación y Estudios Avanzados, Bio Technology and Biochemistry Irapuato, in Guanajuato, Mexico.

Agavins, unlike sucrose, glucose, and fructose, are not absorbed by the body so they don't elevate blood glucose, her research shows. And because agavins are a fiber, they can reduce appetite by making people feel more full.

López believes agavins could be a healthier alternative sweetener than other products on the market.

However, agavins are not as sweet as other types of sugar.

So do you know tequila? We've compiled for you some other uses for the Mexican spirit.

kparker@express-news.net Twitter: @KoltenParker