Olive oil shots have found a following on social media, where celebrities including Kourtney Kardashian and Hailey Bieber have praised their supposed health benefits. But some health experts are skeptical that drinking olive oil by itself is a useful wellness routine.
Megan Meyer, a science communication consultant in Durham, North Carolina, said these trends can catch on because they’re new and spread quickly online. People may also be drawn to the idea of a fast, convenient health fix, even though lasting dietary changes take time and their benefits may take longer to show.
Reality TV personality Harry Jowsey said he tried shots of olive oil and lemon juice each morning for a week. He reported that his face seemed less puffy and his skin tone looked more even. Another social media user described the practice as a way to reduce inflammation.
Supporters often point to polyphenols, plant compounds that may help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation. Meyer cautioned that the amount in olive oil varies: extra-virgin olive oil generally contains more polyphenols than refined, light-tasting varieties.
Olive oil can be part of a heart-healthy diet. A 2022 observational study in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that adults who consumed more than half a tablespoon daily had a 19% lower risk of dying from heart disease. Meyer said the potential benefits are largely associated with olive oil’s monounsaturated fats and polyphenols.
For most healthy people, taking a small shot is likely safe, Meyer said. Still, people with gallbladder problems, chronic reflux or sensitive stomachs may want to avoid it. Drinking olive oil can also add several hundred calories a day, depending on how much is taken, and regularly consuming more calories than the body uses can contribute to weight gain.
A large amount of fat on an empty stomach may also cause discomfort, including reflux, bloating, an upset stomach or loose stools. Meyer doesn’t recommend taking olive oil as a shot. She suggests using it in meals instead, such as in dressings, for sautéing, or drizzled over soups and sauces.
