Healthy Habits: Cocktails?

 The best cocktails are simple, easy to make and delicious for any drink-lover. But what if I told you that some cocktails actually have a host of health and wellness benefits as well? 

Nora Tobin, CEO of Nora’s Naturals Coffee and executive wellness coach, is on a mission to support health and wellbeing through her coffee and also through other lifestyle, food and drink options (hello, cocktails) as well! 

Here are tequila’s top 3 health benefits that Nora thinks every cocktail lover should know: 

1 - Speeds up weight loss: 

Tequila contains Agavins, natural sugars that are not refined. Agavins promote faster fat metabolism and reduce body weight. There are also no carbs and fats in tequila, making it a good choice for weight management. It can also lower cholesterol levels and control blood pressure as well.

 

2 - Controls diabetes: 
Agavins in Tequila are low on the glycemic index and help in insulin production. It lowers glucose levels in blood controlling type 2 diabetes. Agavins are indigestible so they do not increase the sugar level in the body.

 

3 - Promotes gut health: 
Agavins act as fiber while passing through the intestine and aid the digestion process. A tequila shot before and after meals could help increase appetite and faster metabolism rate. It also acts as a probiotic compound, favoring the growth of good bacteria in the gut. Tequila supplies good bacteria to your stomach, which maintains a healthy digestive system.

 

Here are Nora’s Naturals top 4, clean cocktail recipes to enjoy before the summer ends:

Basil Jalapeño Margarita

Key Benefit: Ignite Metabolism

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 large green jalapeno pepper, sliced thin
• 2 ounces silver tequila
• 2 ounces honey
• 2 tablespoons sea salt
• 2 lime wedges for garnish
• 1⁄4 cup muddled basil

Instructions:

1. In the bottom of a pitcher, muddle the jalapeno slices and basil with the lime juice. 10-12 presses with a muddler.
2. Add the tequila and honey, stir to combine thoroughly - or until all the honey is dissolved.
3. Alternative- blend all ingredients. Garnish with fresh lime and salt.

 

Ginger Mint Margarita

Key Benefit: Lower Inflammation

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 ounces ginger simple syrup (fresh ginger is even better!) 
• 1 1/2 ounces tequila
• 6 large mint leaves
• 4 tablespoon lime juice
• Zest of 1 orange (approximately 1 1/2 teaspoons) 
• 2 lime wedges, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a mixing glass, muddle simple syrup, tequila, and mint leaves. Pour into a glass half-filled with ice and add lime juice, rind, and orange zest.
2. Shake until the tin is frosted, strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice, and garnish with lime wedge.

 

Tequila Sunrise

Key Benefit: Elevate Immunity

Ingredients:

• 2 oz. tequila
• 4 oz. freshly squeezed orange juice
• 1 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
• 1 tsp. organic honey

Instructions:

1. Shake tequila and citrus juice well with cracked ice, then strain into a large, chilled cocktail glass.
2. Add grenadine and stir gently, for no longer than is necessary to produce layers of oranges and reds.

 

Raspberry Smash

Key Benefit: Boost Beauty

Ingredients:

• 2 ounces tequila
• 1⁄4 cup muddled raspberries 
• 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice 
• 3/4 ounce honey

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously and strain into a chilled cocktail or martini glass. 
3. Garnish with fresh raspberries

Please note, alcohol is to be consumed responsibly and in moderation to obtain the health and wellness benefits mentioned.