The shot of everyday item that viral videos claim boosts metabolism and skin glow – but what do the experts say?
SOCIAL media users claim that taking a shot of an everyday item in the morning could kickstart your metabolism, clear your acne and make your skin glow – but it’s not coffee.
In fact, this kitchen cupboard staple could hardly be called a drink, but it hasn’t stopped creators on TikTok tipping backs shots of it when they climb out of bed.
But doctors warn health fad may leave your stomach in knots and could even lead to weight gain.
Extra virgin olive oil is touted for its health benefits but it’s usually reserved for drizzling over salads.
Now, a spate of viral videos claim guzzling it down on an empty stomach can benefit your gut and metabolism.
One creator said morning olive oil shots – mixed with a squeeze of lemon – had been “a staple” in her routine since moving to Italy, two years prior, describing them as “gut healing” and a “gamechanger”.
Another said it gave her body “a kickstart”, got her digestive system going and boosted her immune system.
A third claimed it had helped her “lose weight” and made her “skin glow”, while a fourth said a daily spoonful of olive oil and lime would clear her acne.
But what do experts make of these claims?
Dr Masarat Jilani GP at supplement brand Jude wasn’t impressed with the supposed health hack, warning it could lead to upset stomachs, acid reflux and weight gain.
Here’s how taking olive oil shots in the morning could affect your health.
1. It could cause diarrhoea
Dr Jilani said: “While for most people a small amount of olive oil is unlikely to cause any real harm, it is a natural laxative and may lead to diarrhoea, particularly in those with a sensitive digestive system.”
That’s because olive oil has “a mild lubricating effect on the intestine”, so this trend isn’t one to try if you have a sensitive stomach or suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
2. It could lead to stomach discomfort
Consuming pure oil first thing in the morning on an empty stomach without any food may could also leave you feeling nauseous or cause “a general feeling of unease in your stomach”, Dr Jilani went on.
3. It could cause weight gain
Dr Jilani said: “Olive oil is also calorie-dense, so if you’re on a calorie-controlled diet, adding an additional tablespoon of olive oil daily could lead to weight gain.”
Although olive oil is a healthy fat, it’s still calorie-dense, containing around 120 kcal per tablespoon.
This means a shot glass could be around 360 calories – you could enjoy an entire healthy breakfast instead.
“If weight is a concern, a better way to include olive oil is by putting it in a spray bottle and using one or two squirts to cook fresh vegetables,” the doctor said.
4. It could cause acid reflux
Some people may find that they experience acid reflux from consuming straight olive oil, especially if they are already prone to gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD).
5. It could trigger gallbladder issues
Olive oil triggers the gallbladder to release bile, which aids in fat digestion.
While this is generally beneficial, for those with gallstones or gallbladder disease, it may cause pain and cramping, Dr Jilani warned.
How to consume olive oil instead
There’s no doubt that adding olive oil to your diet can be beneficial to your health.
A recent study found that swapping out butter for the oil could help you live longer.
Meanwhile, eating more than half a tablespoon of olive oil a day could cut Alzheimer’s risk by 28 per cent, another study suggests.
But there’s better ways to consume the stuff rather than shotting it in the morning.
Dr Jilani suggests drizzling it over veggies or salads – that way you won’t tear through a £7 litre of olive oil too quick.
The dangers of social 'health' trends
As new 'health' trends pop up on social media daily, experts have urged caution with following them.
A survey conducted by MyFitnessPal and Dublin City University suggests the majority of diet and nutrition trends on TikTok aren’t in line with public health and nutrition guidelines.
In fact, it found that only 2.1 per cent of nutrition content on the platform is accurate, according to an AI-based analysis of more than 67,000 videos conducted with Dublin City University that compared TikTok videos against regulated public health and nutrition guidelines.
The remaining 97.9 per cent of content was deemed inaccurate, partially accurate, or uncertain, due to lack of scientific evidence supporting the claim.
The researchers also polled Millennial and Gen-Z TikTok users.
Concerningly, they found that 57 per cent of the 2,000 people surveyed said they’d been influenced by TikTok health and nutrition trends.
Over two thirds said they gave viral trends a go at least once weekly.
Meanwhile, up to 31 per cent reported feeling an adverse effect from a “fad diet” trend.
Experts speaking to The Sun have previously stressed that we should be taking health claims on TikTok with a hefty pinch of salt.
Dr Pamela Mason, a nutritionist and researcher for General Mills, criticised the “Oatzempic” weight loss challenge floating around TikTok as “misleading”.
Meanwhile, aesthetic practitioner and founder of the Skin and Medical Cosmetics clinic, Dr Raquel Amado also urged caution over trying skincare trends picked up on social media.
“When it comes to trends, acting cautiously is crucial as they may not be suitable for everyone and every skin type.”
Dr Idrees Mughal, a GP with a huge social media following, warned that inaccurate health advice circulating on TikTok can be dangerous if users avoid getting professional medical treatment.
“At best the videos can be pointless and money wasting, at worst they can negatively impact someone’s wellbeing,” he told Diabetes.co.uk.
Athena Lamnisos, chief executive officer of the gynaecological cancer charity The Eve Appeal, noted that posts are often trying to sell you something.
“A lot of gynaecological health misinformation being spread on TikTok involves ads to convince young women they need to buy something to fix a problem they don’t have.”