Mexican researchers claim that the agave plant, the main ingredient in tequila, could be used to treat people with Type 2 diabetes, according to a recent article from the Star Phoenix. However, drinking tequila will not provide the same benefits as the fermentation process wipes out a number of the health benefits.
The researchers say a diet rich in fructans from the agave plant could help stimulate the release of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas and used to regulate sugar levels in the blood. It is impossible to live without the hormone for any extended period of time. People with Type 2 diabetes produce the hormone but do not use it efficiently. People with Type 1 do not produce insulin and must therefore inject it into their body on a regular basis.
The researchers plan to carry out additional tests with rodents before moving onto human trials.
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