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I also felt full much longer than I usually do — one morning around 10:30 a.m. I had a bagel and cream cheese followed by my olive oil shot, and I honestly didn’t even begin to feel hungry until dinnertime. I later learned this is likely due to the number of calories in olive oil (more on that later).
Who should take olive oil shots?
Who might be a candidate to take olive oil shots? Anyone looking to support heart health, digestion, and inflammation may benefit, says Shapira. “It can also be helpful for those following a Mediterranean diet or dealing with dry skin, joint pain, or mild constipation,” Shapira adds.
What are the benefits of olive oil shots?
For gut health and digestion
“Olive oil also supports gut health by stimulating digestion and acting as a natural lubricant for the digestive tract,” says Shapira. “Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce joint pain and overall improve your well-being.”
If you don’t cook with olive oil
If you cook with and consume olive oil daily, especially extra-virgin olive oil, you do not need to take additional shots. “If you’re using extra-virgin olive oil on salads, drizzling it on your vegetables, or cooking with it at a low temperature, you’re already getting its benefits,” says Shapira. But if you tend to cook with other oils or butter, then adding a shot of olive oil to your daily menu could be a game-changer for you.
How do you take olive oil shots?
“Moderation is key,” says Heather Snead, Live Conscious expert and nutritionist. Taking multiple shots won’t give you more benefits faster. According to Saint Supply Living Elixir, you can take a 15 to 30 ml shot at any time of the day, even on an empty stomach.
In the name of science, I switched it up throughout the week and experienced the same benefits regardless of the time. I followed up my shot with a glass of water, but this is optional. Take it before a meal, after a meal, with water, without water — it’s totally up to you.
If the thought of taking a shot of olive oil isn’t your thing, you can still easily enjoy the perks. “You may find it more beneficial and easier on digestion when incorporated into meals,” says Snead. “Simple salad dressings, homemade marinades, or stovetop stir-fries offer great ways to enjoy its benefits without the potential digestive discomfort of consuming it straight.”
Potential side effects of olive oil shots
Nausea
For most people, olive oil is well-tolerated, says Shapira. However, “taking it as a shot can sometimes lead to nausea, diarrhoea, or digestive discomfort, especially if your body isn’t used to it because it’s high in fat,” she adds. Make sure to pay attention to how you’re feeling after taking the shot to see if you experience this side effect.
Who should avoid olive oil shots?
If you have health concerns
“People with gallbladder issues such as gallstones should be cautious as olive oil can stimulate bile production, which will trigger discomfort,” says Shapira. You should also avoid olive oil shots if you have other health issues such as “trouble digesting fats, irritable bowel syndrome, or if you’re on a low-fat diet for medical reasons, this practice could be risky for you,” says Taub-Dix.
If you’re on certain medications
For anyone on blood thinners or medications for blood pressure, make sure to consult your doctor prior to starting any olive oil shots.“Olive oil has natural blood-thinning properties and may enhance the effects of these medications,” says Shapira.
If you have regular bowel movements
It’s true what they say – too much of anything can have a negative impact. “Downing shots of oil can cause stomach upset or even diarrhoea,” says Taub-Dix.
“If you already have regular bowel movements, I would avoid having a shot of extra-virgin olive oil as this may be too lubricating to the system,” says Shapira.
It’s always recommended to book an appointment with your GP before making any drastic changes to your diet. You can find your local GP here.
This article originally appeared on GLAMOUR (US).
