You’ve probably seen olive oil and lemon shots showing up all over your feed like the newest must-do wellness ritual. And maybe you’ve wondered if you should be taking them too. Let’s break down what people are claiming, what the science actually says, and why you probably don’t need another “morning shot” to be healthy.
Let’s talk about these “olive oil + lemon shots” everyone on the internet suddenly decided are the secret to glowing skin, flat stomachs, and a purified soul.
And no—it’s not tequila, even though after the last few weeks I’ve had, I understand the confusion and wish it was.
It’s the olive oil lemon shots.
Let’s get into it.
What People Are Claiming Online
According to the world (and by “world” I unfortunately mean TikTok), this new life-saving ritual will:
- “Detox your liver”
- “Flush your system”
- “Reduce bloating instantly”
- “Boost digestion”
- “Give you glowing skin”
- “Reset your gut”
- “Support weight loss”
- “Balance your hormones” (because of course it does)
The routine is usually simple: a shot of olive oil + lemon juice first thing in the morning. Sometimes people add cayenne pepper too.
It’s framed like a wellness ritual, but also like a personality trait.
Because apparently now we can’t just eat breakfast, we perform wellness.
What’s The Evidence Behind It
Here’s where we come back to Earth.
Extra virgin olive oil does have real benefits. It contains monounsaturated fats and polyphenols, which are associated with heart health and reduced inflammation when included as part of an overall balanced diet. That’s solid. Fair. I respect it.
Lemon juice? Also solid. It provides vitamin C and can support hydration and digestion when added to water.
But the idea that combining them into a concentrated “shot” suddenly turns your body into a toxin-flushing machine?
Yeah… no.
Your liver and kidneys already handle detoxification 24/7 without needing a shot.
There’s also no strong evidence that taking them as a shot provides any unique metabolic, fat-burning, or “gut reset” effect compared to just… eating a normal diet that includes healthy fats and fruits.
So basically: Taken together as a “shot,” there’s no unique added benefit compared to including both ingredients regularly in a balanced diet. It’s more of a trend than a functional nutrition upgrade.
The Real Question: Do You Need To Be Doing It?
Honestly?
No.
You do not need to be taking olive oil shots at sunrise while manifesting your “highest self.” Even though, this does sound like me most days.
You can:
- Cook with olive oil
- Drizzle it on salads
- Drink lemon water if you enjoy it
- Eat fiber, protein, and actual meals
And you will get the same foundational benefits without feeling like you’re participating in a wellness trend.
But here’s the thing I get:
We like rituals.
We like feeling like we’re “doing something.”
We like the idea that there’s a quick fix hiding the trendy aesthetic and a glass bottle of expensive olive oil.
The truth is: health is boring, consistent, and built over time.The fun trends come and go. But, that’s not to say they can’t be added in for fun once in a while.
“Drink olive oil and lemon” sounds a lot sexier than:
- eat enough fiber
- sleep more
- manage stress
- lift weights
- hydrate
- repeat for the rest of your life
Tale as old as time.
If you like the olive oil + lemon shot ritual and it makes you feel good? Fine. Knock yourself out. It’s not going to harm you in small amounts, and there’s something to be said for intentional morning routines. I do love my morning routine.
But let’s not pretend it’s some ancient metabolic secret to fixing your entire life.
It’s olive oil.
And lemon.
You’re allowed to just… cook with them.
Or drink lemon water and move on with your life.
-Olivia Jade
Jaded By Olivia Jade 