TikTok Is Making a Case for Olive Oil Shots, But Are They Actually Good for You?
Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez claim that taking a shot of olive oil is good for the gut, but dietitians don’t seem to agree.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Jan 28, 2026
When a trend appears repeatedly, it’s natural to want to dip your toes into it, too. This curiosity can sometimes override the need for facts that determine whether a trend’s claims actually hold up—and the beauty community is no exception.
Numerous influencers have shared routines that include taking shots of olive oil on an empty stomach, claiming it does wonders for gut health. These videos, like the one below, easily rack up millions of views.
Celebrities have also played a role in amplifying the trend. Through her wellness brand Poosh, Kourtney Kardashian Barker has vouched for the practice of taking extra virgin olive oil every other morning. Poosh claims that “it’s recommended to consume [it] in the morning on an empty stomach so the oil can coat your system and neutralize your stomach walls for optimal benefits.” The platform also highlights purported benefits, particularly its well-aging properties and its ability to boost collagen and reduce cell damage.
Reports suggest that Beyoncé, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Jennifer Lopez have also incorporated the practice into their diets.
Content creators have also claimed that olive oil can be mixed with lemon water for an added “brightening” effect. Others go further, suggesting that the combination helps cleanse the body, aid in weight loss, and even dissolve gallstones.
Given that many of the women endorsing the practice appear to have glowing skin and otherwise healthy bodies, it raises an obvious question: Does it actually work?
What Experts Say About Olive Oil Shots
It can’t be denied that olive oil offers a range of health benefits. “It can help reduce inflammation, is high in antioxidants, and is rich in monounsaturated fats that support heart health. It has also been linked to lower blood pressure and cholesterol,” said Arti Dhokia, a registered dietitian at Midland Health. “However, taking an entire shot of olive oil in the morning isn’t necessary.”
Echoing this, fellow dietitian Jillian Kubala noted on Health that “there’s currently no research showing that drinking it on an empty stomach is better than consuming it in more traditional ways, such as drizzled on salads.”
Arti also described claims that olive oil significantly improves the gut microbiome as “overstated,” explaining that its effects alone aren’t substantial enough to have a major positive impact. “If you want to improve your gut health, get good sleep, stay hydrated, eat prebiotics like bananas, oats, and beans, and limit your intake of processed foods and added sugars.” She added that the popular practice of mixing olive oil with lemon water has “little scientific evidence” to support its purported benefits.
According to The Indian Express, the World Health Organization has stated that adults can prevent unhealthy weight gain by limiting fat intake to 30 percent of total energy consumption, with no more than 10 percent coming from saturated fats. A typical shot of olive oil—roughly two tablespoons—contains about 28 grams of fat and 3.8 grams of saturated fat, accounting for approximately 19 percent of the recommended daily intake.
As Arti noted, “If you want to incorporate it into your diet, a tablespoon a day is enough to start feeling the benefits over time.” Excessive consumption, she added, may lead to side effects such as bloating and nausea. As with most things, moderation remains key.
While online beauty and wellness trends can be tempting to try, it’s best to verify claims with expert guidance. Ultimately, regular exercise and a balanced diet remain the most reliable ways to maintain a healthy weight.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.