Olive oil shots have resurfaced as a social-media wellness trend, with claims ranging from more energy to better heart health. But nutrition experts say the oil's potential benefits don't depend on drinking it straight.
Olive oil contains beneficial compounds, including polyphenols, and can be part of a heart-conscious diet. Adding it to meals is generally enough: use it in dressings, drizzle it over vegetables, or include it in cooking. Experts say taking a shot has no established advantage over these everyday uses.
What experts recommend
Brian St. Pierre and Drew Ramsey favor enjoying olive oil with food. Kelsey Kunik notes that using it in dishes can also help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and carotenoids. Abby Langer is more cautious, pointing out that a shot adds concentrated fat and calories and may contribute to excess intake if it's simply added to a person's usual diet.
Views differ on whether a shot is harmless, but the experts' shared takeaway is straightforward: there's no need to take olive oil this way to include it in a balanced diet. Food is a practical way to make it part of daily eating.
As wellness trends evolve, clear guidance can help people focus on sustainable habits rather than novel rituals.
