A new wellness trend is gaining traction online, particularly within the “wellness girlie” community: a morning shot of extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice. Proponents claim this simple concoction offers a range of benefits, from improved digestion and glowing skin to increased energy levels. But is there any scientific basis to these claims, or is it just another fleeting internet fad?
The trend gained prominence following an Instagram post by content creators Kateri and Isabelle of Everything Krause, who reported positive health transformations after a 30-day trial. They suggest mixing 1 to 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and consuming it on an empty stomach each morning.
What are the purported benefits?
The creators of the trend highlight several potential benefits, centered around the nutritional properties of olive oil and lemon juice. These include:
- Digestive health: Reducing bloating and supporting regular digestion.
- Aesthetic gains: Promoting clearer skin, a “natural glow,” and stronger, shinier hair.
- Internal support: Aiding liver detoxification and lymphatic drainage.
- Energy and mood: Providing a sustained energy boost throughout the day.
What does the science say?
Dr. Shireen Furtado, a senior consultant in medical and cosmetic dermatology at Aster CMI Hospital in Bengaluru, acknowledges the nutritional value of both ingredients but cautions against expecting dramatic, immediate results. “Drinking a lemon and olive oil shot can support overall skin and hair health, but it is important to understand that it works slowly and indirectly rather than giving instant visible results,” she explains.
Dr. Furtado points to the monounsaturated fats and vitamin E content of olive oil, which contribute to skin hydration and barrier function. Lemon juice, rich in vitamin C, is essential for collagen production, a key component of healthy skin. Interestingly, she notes that the vitamin C in lemon can enhance iron absorption from food, potentially addressing iron deficiencies that can contribute to hair thinning.
However, Dr. Furtado emphasizes that this shot is not a cure-all. It won’t address medical conditions like hormonal acne, melasma, genetic pattern baldness, thyroid-related hair loss, or severe dandruff, all of which require specific medical evaluation and treatment.
She elaborates, “Olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and vitamin E, which help maintain the skin’s natural barrier, reduce dryness, and support overall hydration from within, while lemon contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps in collagen production, protects the skin from free radical damage, and may support a brighter and more even-looking complexion over time. When the body receives adequate antioxidants and healthy fats regularly, it can reduce internal inflammation, improve nutrient absorption, and support better circulation, all of which contribute to healthier-looking skin and shinier hair.”
Regarding hair health, Dr. Furtado adds, “Olive oil’s healthy fats may help nourish the scalp from inside by supporting natural oil balance, while vitamin C in lemon improves iron absorption from food, which is important because low iron levels can contribute to hair thinning and dull hair texture, and when nutritional deficiencies are corrected, hair may appear stronger, smoother, and less brittle over time.”
Is it safe for everyone?
Before incorporating this shot into your daily routine, Dr. Furtado advises caution. Excessive lemon consumption can irritate the stomach lining, worsen acidity, and potentially trigger acid reflux. While olive oil is healthy, consuming it in large quantities adds calories, potentially contributing to unwanted weight gain. Weight fluctuations, in turn, can negatively impact skin health.
“It is necessary to use this mixture in moderation because too much lemon can irritate the stomach lining, worsen acidity, and, in some cases, trigger acid reflux. While excess olive oil adds extra calories, which may contribute to unwanted weight gain if taken daily in large amounts, and from a skin perspective, weight gain and poor digestion can sometimes negatively affect skin health instead of improving it, so balance is very important,” Dr. Furtado said.
Dr. Furtado stresses that clear skin and healthy hair are primarily achieved through a well-balanced diet, adequate sleep, and consistent sun protection. The lemon-olive oil shot can be a supportive addition to a healthy lifestyle, but it should not be considered a replacement for medical treatment or a comprehensive skincare routine. If you have a sensitive stomach or are monitoring your caloric intake, she suggests enjoying the benefits of olive oil by drizzling it over a salad instead.
“Clear skin and healthy hair depend much more on a well-balanced diet, good sleep, and sun protection,” Dr. Furtado said. She added that while the lemon-olive oil shot could be a supportive addition to a healthy lifestyle, it wasn’t a replacement for medical treatment or a solid skincare routine. If you have a sensitive stomach or are monitoring your caloric intake, you might want to stick to drizzling that olive oil over a salad instead.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. NewsDirectory3.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
