Evaluating the Trend of Olive Oil Shots for Health Benefits

With the rise of social media trends, taking shots of olive oil has become popular, endorsed by celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Hailey Bieber. They claim that olive oil shots offer health benefits. However, some health experts question the validity of these claims.

Dr. Megan Meyer, a science communication consultant in Durham, North Carolina, explained that trends such as these gain popularity due to their novelty and the viral nature of social media. She noted, “People are interested in quick, convenient health fixes. Improving your diet can often be challenging and take a good bit of time, and the effects of an improved diet usually take even longer.”

Celebrities on social media have credited olive oil shots with reducing inflammation and improving skin appearance. For instance, reality TV star Harry Jowsey shared his experience of taking olive oil and lemon juice shots every morning for a week. He observed less facial puffiness and more even skin.

Polyphenols are frequently mentioned for their nutritional benefits. These compounds, found in plants, can combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation, potentially offering various health benefits according to the National Institutes of Health. Meyer highlighted that extra virgin olive oil generally has higher polyphenol content compared to refined varieties.

Olive oil, when part of a balanced diet, supports heart health. A 2022 study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that individuals consuming over half a tablespoon of olive oil daily had a 19% lower risk of death from heart disease. The heart benefits stem largely from the monounsaturated fat and polyphenols in olive oil.

Concerning olive oil shots, Meyer stated, “It should be safe for most healthy people.” However, she cautioned that those with gallbladder issues, chronic reflux, or sensitive stomachs might want to avoid it.

Moreover, regular olive oil shots can lead to weight gain. Meyer explained, “Taking an olive oil shot or two every day can add several hundred calories to your daily calorie consumption. Consuming more calories than your body burns each day leads to weight gain.” She also pointed out that consuming high-fat content on an empty stomach might result in digestive issues such as upset stomach or acid reflux.

Meyer concluded by recommending olive oil consumption within meals instead of as shots. “Olive oil is delicious,” she said, advising to use it in cooking, salad dressings, or as a finishing touch on soups and sauces.

Sadie Chafe, a writer on the Lifestyle team at Fox News Digital, contributed to this article.