What Happens When You Drink an Olive Oil and Lemon Shot Every Morning?

A growing wellness trend has popularized the consumption of a morning “shot” consisting of one to two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil mixed with the juice of a fresh lemon. While influencers often promote this ritual as a potent method for weight loss, body detoxification, and improved skin health, experts suggest that these claims are largely exaggerated.

Did You Know? The juice of a single lemon provides 18.6 milligrams of vitamin C, which accounts for approximately 20.6% of the daily recommended value, supporting immune function and collagen production.

The Individual Benefits of Ingredients

Individually, both olive oil and lemon juice offer well-documented health benefits. Extra virgin olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, specifically oleic acid, which possesses anti-inflammatory properties. Research has linked olive oil consumption to a reduced risk of heart disease. one study involving nearly 93,000 Americans found that those consuming more than a half tablespoon daily had a 14% lower risk of heart disease compared to non-consumers.

Lemon juice provides antioxidants, such as vitamin C and polyphenols, which help protect cells against oxidative damage. The citric acid found in lemons may assist in preventing the recurrence of kidney stones by binding to urinary calcium in the body.

Evaluating the “Super Tonic” Claims

Despite the popularity of combining these ingredients, experts note there is no strong evidence that the mixture creates a unique synergistic effect. Benefits such as improved digestion or bowel regularity are likely the result of increased healthy fat intake, better hydration, or simply adopting more intentional morning nutritional habits.

Expert Insight: While the combination of olive oil and lemon juice is generally safe, it is important to recognise that no single drink can replace the body’s natural detoxification systems, which are already efficiently managed by the liver and kidneys. The primary value lies in the nutrients provided by the ingredients themselves rather than any special interaction between them.

Considerations for Your Routine

For those considering this trend, olive oil is calorie-dense, providing 126 calories per tablespoon. While it may help with satiety and blood sugar regulation, adding a daily shot could lead to excessive calorie intake if not balanced with the rest of one’s diet. Some individuals may also experience side effects such as nausea or loose stools due to the concentrated nature of the oil.

As a practical alternative, experts suggest that the same health benefits can be achieved by incorporating these ingredients into regular meals. Drizzling olive oil over salads or avocado toast and using lemon juice in water can provide the same nutritional profile without the need for a concentrated shot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does drinking olive oil and lemon juice help with weight loss?
There is little evidence to support this claim. While long-term olive oil intake is associated with healthier body weight due to its satiating effects, a daily shot is unlikely to result in significant or rapid weight loss.

Can this mixture help clear my skin?
It is unlikely that adding this drink to your routine will have a significant effect on skin health. While vitamin C and antioxidants are beneficial, the small doses provided in a shot are generally insufficient to meaningfully improve collagen synthesis if your diet is already adequate.

Are there any risks to taking these shots?
The practice is generally safe for most people, though some may experience nausea or loose stools. It also adds significant calories, which could be a concern for those already consuming high amounts of fat in their daily diet.

How might you incorporate these healthy ingredients into your daily meals instead of taking them as a supplement?