Olive oil shot craze explodes online, but doctor warns it's 'more hype than medicine'

It may make particular people shudder but a growing number of social media users say that starting their day with a shot of olive oil is the secret to better strength The shot often mixed with lemon juice or water for easier sipping has been gaining steam on Instagram and TikTok Users who promote the habit account such perceived benefits as improved digestion reduced cravings better immune wellness and glowing skin though these asserts are anecdotal 'BEANTOK' TREND GOES VIRAL WITH WILD GUT VITALITY PROMISES HERE'S WHAT EXPERTS SAYOne TikToker stated she felt less hungry than usual after she started the trend I was snacking far less late morning and early afternoon and could only attribute this to the olive oil the user mentioned The TikToker added Despite the extra daily calories and fat I didn't put on any weight Commenters on Reddit however were more skeptical of the trend SWEET DECEPTION LOYAL CUSTOMERS ACCUSE ICONIC DESSERT CHAIN OF 'SHRINKFLATION' The trend is nonsense There is evidence it has any positive effects besides the obvious nutritional content of the ingredients one user on r HealthyFood wrote In fact I reckon plenty of people will upset their stomachs drinking something like this first thing in the morning Another Redditor wrote Just use the olive oil when you cook Use it instead of butter or other oils This is the recommendation I see Not drinking it Kavita Channe a television personality and social media influencer based in Florida stated Fox News Digital she believes olive oil shots can help digestion bloating and inflammation as well as capacity levels and mental clarity And when you take a high-polyphenol oil it's on another level she stated CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERShe also shared anecdotally When I stopped avoiding fat and focused on clean sources my digestion and vigor comprehensively changed But does the trend offer any science-backed benefits TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZDr Will Haas a North Carolina-based family physician announced the trend was more hype than medicine though he did acknowledge the benefits of olive oil Extra-virgin olive oil is rich in polyphenols and healthy fats that endorsement inflammation balance blood sugar stability and skin soundness but you don't need to take it like a supplement to get those effects he declared Bulk people get the same or better benefits by using it consistently in their diet rather than swallowing it straight CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIESIf you feel compelled to try the trend Haas recommended starting with a tablespoon during a meal instead of a shot on an empty stomach Pairing healthy fats with food slows digestion improves nutrient absorption and is usually easier on the gut he explained And of lesson quality matters Cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil makes a big difference Haas also cautioned that taking daily shots of olive oil can unintentionally add several hundred extra calories a week He added Certain people also experience nausea or loose stools when they take it straight especially first thing in the morning Bottom line Olive oil is great for you but it tends to work best as part of a balanced diet rather than the latest wellness challenge