With new health crazes popping up day in and day out, it's hard to keep track of which ones are actually beneficial and effective.
Drinking a shot of extra virgin olive oil every morning is a health trend that seems to be everywhere at the moment. Celebrities from Kourtney Kardashian to Shonda Rhimesswear by drinking it daily, and now people worldwideare giving it a shot.
But is this practice actually good for you?And if it is, what does it even really do? What are the health benefits to drinking olive oil?
Is a Shot of Olive Oil Every Day Good For You?
The short answer is: yes.
But the answer is actually more complicated than that.
There are a host of benefits that come withdrinking olive oil, however we truly believe the phrase "everything in moderation".
Olive oil aids in so many things, but too muchof anything, including olive oil, may not be great for you. We'll delve deeper into this later.
What Does The Shot of EVOO Do?
Olive oil shots are a great way to kick off your day. Why is this? Because it aids in digestion, boosts the immune system, andhas a ton of other benefits.
Aids in Digestion, Constipation, and Gut Health
Olive oil is great at aiding digestion and relieving constipation.
This is because it contains healthy fats and monounsaturated oils that help speed up bowel movements. The oil also helps to lubricate your digestive system and help movement through the colon.
Olive oil also stimulates the gallbladder, which aids in digesting the fats in your digestive tract.
According to studies by both the National Library of Medicine and the Journal of Renal Nutrition, the daily use of olive oil was effective in the treatment of constipation.
*Because of it's laxative qualities, too much EVOO could result in diarrhea when over-consumed. If you already have runny stool, we don't suggest EVOO shots in the morning.
Boosts Your Immune System
EVOO is a great way to start the day because of its anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidants, andvitamins.
According to the National Olive Council, studies have shown that the fatty acids in EVOO are the primary reason it's so good for your immune system. These fatty acids have been proven to aid in the regulation of the immune system, and even help treat some autoimmune diseases.
Olive oil in the morning is a greatboost to your immune systemand get those necessary fatty acids to keep you feeling good and healthy.
Are TherePossible Negative Side Effects?
Firstly, before you start taking a shot of olive oil every morning, you have to consider if it's right for you.
Olive oil is very high in (healthy) fat and has a high caloric density. There are around 40 calories in one teaspoon of EVOO.
Besides concerns with calorie count, this can also present a problem if you're taking certain medications that can affect your absorption of fats, it's important to talk to your doctor before introducing high amount of olive oil into your diet.
Also, if you have a sensitive stomach, taking shots of EVOO might not be the best idea. Start with a smaller amount, and work your way up if you're not seeing any negative side effects.
When Should I Drink My Olive Oil?
The best time to take your olive oil shot is in the morning on an empty stomach, before eating breakfast or drinking anything else.
Because of its host of benefits, it's a great way to start off your day.
Not only that, but drinking olive oil on an empty stomach will help to coat andneutralize your stomach walls, and have a larger impact on your digestion and bowl movements that day.
How Much Olive Oil Should I Drink?
The amount of first cold-pressed extra virgin olive oil you consume is completely based on you.
We recommend starting with a teaspoon and going up from there. Some people have more sensitive digestive systems than others, so increasing in small increments will help find the amount that works with your body.
1-2 tablespoons are the ideal amount to consume in the morning, as they're the perfectamountsto get the benefits without overdoing it. Again, don't go straight to 2 tablespoons, work your way up!
Also, based on how your stomach feels drinking EVOO, decide if you want to do this every morning, or every other morning. You can still reap the benefits of olive oil, even if you don't drink it every single day.
Which Olive Oil is Best?
For your daily shot of olive oil, you have to buy Extra Virgin. Extra Virgin (EVOO), is a first-cold pressed oil,which is the way the oil is extracted from the fruit.
The method involves crushing the entireolive fruitat the same time, while the processing temperature is kept at no more than 80.6 degrees Fahrenheit.This controlled temperature ensures that the EVOO retains its quality and flavor.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the best of the best oil, and because of its pureness, and the extraction process, it guarantees you are getting the most nutrients and benefits you could possibly get from the fruit.
Now, for your EVOO, we highly suggest going with a more delicate optionif you are new to drinking olive oil. They will be more mild, which is key when starting off your day. But which to choose? It depends on what flavor profile you're looking for first thing in the morning.
For a Buttery EVOO - Sola Stella Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For aGreen EVOO - Terra Verde Extra Virgin Olive Oil
For an Unfiltered/Earthy EVOO - Olio Nuovo Extra Virgin Olive Oil
However, a more robust olive oil with high polyphenols will have the most health benefits.Once you have grown accustomed to the flavor, we suggest switching to our highest polyphenol oil, the Texas Miller's Blend Extra Virgin Olive Oil. This will ensure you're getting the most possible benefits!
How Can I Get EVOO Benefits Without Shots?
After reading all this, you mighthave decided shots of extra virgin olive oil aren't right for you - and that's ok!
You can still get all of these benefits by just incorporating more EVOO into your diet.
Besides just using it more to cook, you can also replace your butter with extra virgin olive oil to get even more health benefits.
Even a dash of EVOO as a smoothie ingredient, or a drizzle on a salad will go a long way.
There are so many ways to add more of the best Texas olive oil into your life in order to reap all the health benefits. So get to cooking, and get inspired by all of our delicious EVOO recipes.
Sources:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-nutrition/can-olive-oil-shots-really-improve-your-skin-and-reduce-bloating/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25238699/
https://poosh.com/why-kourtney-kardashian-drinks-tablespoon-evoo/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/drinking-olive-oil#benefits
https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/olive-oil-for-constipation#How-to-Use-Olive-Oil-for-Constipation
https://the100yearlifestyle.com/olive-oil-and-digestion
https://www.internationaloliveoil.org/olive-world/olive-oil-health/#immune-system
