Is This TikTok Olive Oil Trend Actually Good For You?

Barely a day goes by when social media doesn't come up with a new fad. Remember when the demure food trend was all the rage, or when people dropped pickles into this wildly popular soda? While some are more appetizing than others, from time to time, Tik Tok, Instagram, and other platforms hit on an idea that is more sensible than goofy, and the latest combines two ingredients with proven health benefits: lemon juice and olive oil.

Across the web, thousands of people — including music legend Paul Anka — have been taking shots of the two (though you'll occasionally see lime subbed in for the lemon) for up to a month, and noting the changes or benefits they experience. Some took it before bed, others first thing in the morning, several said their skin improved, while others noted the daily shot reduced bloating and calmed inflammation. For some, the combination boosted their energy levels, but it also made them feel hungrier.

So, are lemon and olive oil shots the latest in a long list of wellness trends that have come and will just as quickly go, or is there any merit to slugging this duo down? On balance, the answer is yes — but experts have warned that combining lemon juice with olive oil isn't for everyone. If you have gall bladder or digestive issues, or regularly experience acid reflux, it's better to find other ways (try turning them into a salad dressing for elevated baked potatoes) to add them to your diet.

There's a lot to recommend taking a daily dose of lemon juice and olive oil. Let's start with the fruit. Lemons are a good source of vitamin C, and the citric acid they contain can help stop kidney stones from forming by boosting urine output. That vitamin-acid combo also boosts iron absorption, and if you add a little of the pith into your shot, that added fiber can help protect your heart. Olive oil is packed with goodies too, including heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins E and K, and antioxidants that help reduce inflammation. It also acts as a lubricant for our bowels, helping to get things moving and keep us regular.

While all that adds up to a big thumbs up for anyone adding lemon juice and olive oil to their diets, whether those powers are enhanced when they're combined in a shot is less clear. For people who see improvements in their skin after regular doses of the two, it could be a consequence of eating less processed fats or foods, rather than their daily shot, according to experts. Online claims about the lemon juice-olive oil's ability to help detox the body, particularly the liver, are trickier to prove as the amounts taken are so small. A more sustainable way to support your liver function would be to cut down the amount of alcohol you drink. That said, the general consensus among experts is there's nothing wrong with a daily shot of lemon juice and olive oil, so bottoms up y'all!