A dietician has urged caution about a viral skincare hack, which involves drinking a shot of olive oil each day.
Olive oil offers a variety of health benefits – it’s high in antioxidants, it’s full of mono-unsaturated fats to improve gut health, it can help reduce inflammation, and it’s even been linked to lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.
It’s been praised by celebrities who are open about incorporating it into their daily routines, with Academy Award winner and wellness lover Gwyneth Paltrow a big fan, while A-Lister Jennifer Lopez has praised its anti-ageing benefits over the years.
Recently, an influencer caused a stir after revealing she drinks a shot of olive oil every morning to promote a “healthy microbiome”. Katherine Saras boasts almost half a million followers on TikTok and more than 37 million likes on the social media platform.
Her video detailing her morning routine – including the controversial shot of olive oil – has been viewed more than 820,000 times, and was even shared to other sites like X.
In the clip, the influencer can be seen drinking a shot of olive oil “on an empty stomach”. The comments section was varied, with many adamant it wasn’t a necessary inclusion for a healthy lifestyle.
Arti Dhokia, a registered dietitian at Midland Health, has also weighed in on the health trend as it may not be quite the miracle worker it’s touted as.
She began by praising olive oil’s “many proven benefits” and continued: “However, taking an entire shot of olive oil in the morning isn’t necessary. If you want to incorporate it into your diet, a tablespoon a day is enough to start feeling the benefits over time.
“Drinking olive oil isn’t enjoyable for most people. Instead of a shot, use it as a dressing or cooking oil, or add it to soups and smoothies. Be mindful that it’s high in calories and, like everything, should always be consumed in moderation.”
Does olive oil promote a ‘healthy microbiome’?
The dietician continued: “The claim that olive oil promotes a healthy microbiome is overstated. It does help the gut by increasing good bacteria, but it’s not enough to have a positive impact.
“If you want to improve your gut health, get good sleep, stay hydrated, eat prebiotics like bananas, oats, and beans, and limit your intake of processed foods and added sugars.”
She warned olive oil “isn’t suitable for everyone”, and there are downsides to “excessive consumption”. Of the potential side effects it can cause, Dhokia said: “If you’re experiencing bloating, nausea, or diarrhea, consider lowering your intake of olive oil. These side effects are caused by the high-fat content in the oil, which can disrupt the digestive system.”
Those with gallbladder or digestive issues, as well as people using blood pressure medication, are advised to swerve olive oil shots, and the dietician advises anyone with a pre-existing medical condition to “always consult a medical professional before partaking in a new health trend”.
The dietician also said many influencers’ claims that “mixing olive oil and lemon juice creates a supercharged health tonic” to help “cleanse the body”, “aid weight loss” and “dissolve gallstones” offers “little scientific evidence”.
She added: “It’s crucial to always verify online health information with credible sources and be wary of influencers promoting health tips that aren’t expert-approved. The best way to maintain a healthy weight and stay well is through regular exercise and a balanced and nutritious diet.”
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
