(Photo : Canva) Olive on branch dripping with oil.
Forget kale smoothies and chia seed puddings - the new (again) health craze sweeping TikTok is a little on the oily side. Celebrities like Kourtney Kardashian, Beyonce, and Gwyneth Paltrow have been caught on camera downing shots of olive oil, and even Starbucks jumped on the bandwagon with its Oleato olive oil-infused coffee drinks. Suddenly everyone's wondering: is olive oil the key to eternal youth and glowing skin, or a recipe for digestive disaster?
Ditch the Fads, Embrace the Facts: The Truth About Olive Oil Shots
While olive oil has been a staple in the Mediterranean diet for centuries and boasts a laundry list of health benefits, nutritionists aren't exactly jumping on the "olive oil shot" bandwagon. Several medical professionals and dieticians are weighing in on the benefits, noting the good fats (monounsaturated fats, to be specific) in olive oil are great for your heart, but chugging it straight down like a tequila slammer might not be the most palatable way to reap the rewards, nor will it balance out the negative effects of a wholly unhealthy diet.
From TikTok Trend to Timeless Staple: Demystifying Olive Oil for Optimal Health
At the end of the day, most seem to agree that consuming 1 to 4 tablespoons of EVOO per day can have some great benefits, but incorporating it into your food is just fine. Slamming it like a shot doesn't seem to be any better for you. Additionally, a lot of foods we consume contain fat-soluble nutrients - which means they need a little fat to be better absorbed by our bodies. Think dark leafy greens, tomatoes, and carrots - sounds like a perfect little salad to me! You can use olive oil in a host of ways - from sautéing to baking - that are far more delicious than slurping spoonfuls of the stuff.
(Photo : Canva) A woman pours a spoonful of olive oil over a salad.
Beyond the Hype: Harnessing the Power of Olive Oil for a Healthier You
Not all olive oil is created equal. Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), the unrefined champion of the olive oil world, reigns supreme when it comes to health benefits. It's packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help your body fight free radicals, those pesky villains responsible for cellular damage and a whole host of chronic diseases. Think of EVOO as your body's internal bodyguard.
Bonus Tip: Look for EVOO that's been tested for purity and quality, and don't forget to check for the official seal of the International Olive Council - it's your guarantee that you're getting the good stuff.
The Takeaway:
While the "olive oil shot" trend might be more hype than health hack, incorporating EVOO into your diet is a delicious and nutritious way to boost your overall well-being. Just remember, moderation is key, and sometimes, the simplest solutions are the most effective. So, ditch the shot glass, grab your favorite EVOO, and get cooking!
