When  you think of "health foods," tequila certainly does not come to mind but you'd be surprised to know that the Mexican spirit has some amazing health benefits.

According to recent findings by researchers at Mexico's Center for Research and Advanced Studies, there is a link between tequila and osteoporosis.

The study's results, which were published to ScienceDaily, showed that the blue agave used in making tequila contains substances that improve the "absorption of calcium and magnesium, essential minerals to maintain bone health."

The lead researcher, Dr. Mercedes Lopez states that "the consumption of fructans contained in the agave, in collaboration with adequate intestinal microbiota, promotes the formation of new bone, even with the presence of osteoporosis."

So not only could Tequila aid in the prevention of bone density loss but it could also help with lessening the severity of the loss in individuals who already suffer from osteoporosis.

Dr. Lopez and her team carried out the study using female mice with osteoporosis who were fed fructose molecules from blue agave. Femur samples were obtained eight weeks later and they showed signs of new bone growth.

"It was found that mice that consumed this fructans synthesized nearly 50 percent more of such protein, in addition that the diameter of their bones was higher compared with the subjects which were not supplied with derivatives of the agave."

But there's a catch...

Considering the negative impact of osteoporosis on overall health, this study's findings could lead to advances in the treatment of the disease but for now we should still exercise caution when consuming tequila.

The research was carried out using animals and did not take into account the alcohol and sugar content in tequila and tequila-based cocktails. It should also be noted that the mice had balanced "intestinal microbiota" and were healthy. So the effects of blue agave on humans with other health complications, is yet to determined.

However, when agave based treatment options do become available, it will definitely not be in the form of tequila. Dr. Lopez has applied for a patent to develop agave medication and its effects will eventually be tested through a clinical trial.

Just remember that although Margaritas may make you happier, they aren't really going to make you stronger, they contain high amounts of fructose corn syrup which could interfere with bone growth.

What do you think of these new findings? Will you be drinking more Tequila? Let us know in the comments!