This TikTok Olive Oil and Lemon Shot Promises Weight Loss—But Does It Actually Work?
The duo isn't a magic fix, but each ingredient does have some perks
Every day, TikTok delivers content that either mirrors your own experience or introduces something new. Lately, olive oil and lemon shots have been making the rounds, with users claiming the blend can help with weight loss and inflammation. We spoke to experts to learn more about the potential health benefits of olive oil and lemon juice and whether this combo is really the powerhouse weight loss trick people say it is.
Can olive oil and lemon juice shots boost weight loss?
“The viral TikTok trend involves combining 2 to 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with 1 teaspoon of fresh-squeezed lemon juice and taking it as a shot in the morning,” explains Cynthia Odogwu, MD, a family and lifestyle medicine physician.
But can the mixture ready support your weight loss efforts? Here we break down what the ingredients can—and can’t—do.
Woman's World Answers
Olive oil may boost satiety
“Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that help with satiety and make you feel full longer,” says Michael Aziz, MD, author of The Ageless Revolution. “It also boosts metabolism and helps with thermogenesis, or burning more calories. Research shows it increases metabolism slightly.”
So could olive oil be beneficial for weight loss? Potentially, but it depends on how it’s used. “Olive oil is calorie-dense; it has more calories than butter,” says Dr. Aziz. “So It can be beneficial in weight loss, but only when used mindfully.”
Lemon juice curbs metabolism-slowing stress hormones
“Lemons are rich in vitamin C, which helps lower cortisol, a stress hormone linked to weight gain,” says Dr. Aziz. “But having some lemon juice alone will not lead to weight loss.”
Now that we’ve looked at olive oil and lemon juice separately, what about pairing the two together—does it really maximize the health benefits when it comes to weight loss? Probably not. “Combining both will not lead to synergetic weight loss unless other healthy measures are taken, such as following a healthy diet and exercising,” says Dr. Aziz.
Are olive oil and lemon juice shots safe?
“The combination is generally safe, but one has to be aware of certain things,” says Dr. Aziz. “Olive oil can lower blood pressure and may [impact] blood sugar levels. So both blood pressure and diabetes meds need to be monitored.”
On the other hand, “lemon juice can interact with some meds that need alkaline pH, so it can affect antifungal meds,” he adds. “Lemons can also reduce the efficacy of GERD (acid reflux) meds such as Nexium.”
And of course, calories are a consideration when you’re looking to lose weight. A tablespoon of olive oil has 120 calories, Dr. Aziz says. “At 4 tablespoons, as some influencers suggest, that’s 480 calories without even eating a solid bite.”
Dr. Odogwu also flagged potential risks. “With the olive oil being high in fat and the lemon juice being acidic, there is an increased risk of acid reflux,” says Dr.Odogwu. “The lemon juice can cause wear and tear of the tooth enamel, leading to dental issues. Other risks include diarrhea and gallbladder issues.”
Olive oil and lemon juice shots aren’t a magic fix
Ultimately, while olive oil and lemon juice may offer individual health benefits and support weight loss as part of a healthy lifestyle, you’re unlikely to see major results from the combo alone. Still, both ingredients may be worth considering for their unique properties.
Health benefits of olive oil
Rather than using large quantities of olive oil in trendy shots, try cooking with it or drizzling a small portion over a salad or veggies. Doing so can deliver these health perks:
It strengthens bones
A study in Food Research International suggests that the polyphenols in olive oil help support bone health by keeping bone-weakening oxidative stress in check. What’s more, research in The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry suggests that increasing your polyphenol intake has a protective effect on bone mass, resulting in greater strength. This also helps shield against low bone mass (aka osteopenia), the precursor to osteoporosis.
It protects your heart
Research in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology suggests higher intake of olive oil—a staple in the Mediterranean diet—is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and coronary heart disease.
“I definitely recommend the Mediterranean diet to my patients,” says Joanna S Troulakis, MD, a cardiologist at NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Queens. “It helps maintain a healthy weight and lowers blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol. In doing so, it lowers the risk of metabolic syndrome, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease,” she says.
It aids digestion
Prone to constipation? Olive oil can get things moving again. It acts as a mild laxative, notes Roxana Ehsani, MS, RD, LDN, who says it also may help soften stool. Both are key for regularity and comfort. It works so well, Dr. Druz recommends it to her patients. “I have my patients who are on a daily protein shake, which tends to be constipating, add a tablespoon of olive oil to make the shake less impactful on the digestive system,” she says.
Health benefits of lemon juice
Here’s what adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to your daily diet (or cup of tea!) can do:
It reduces inflammation
Lemons are an excellent source of plant compounds called flavonoids, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These compounds neutralize free radicals that can lead to oxidative stress, which spurs inflammation. And research in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity shows that potent citrus flavonoids suppress inflammation, improving cardiovascular and metabolic health.
It boosts immunity
Lemon juice has antibacterial and antifungal properties that help halt the growth of sickness-causing bacteria. Lemon juice also brims with vitamin C, which research in Nutrients suggests wards off oxidative stress, helps destroy invading microbes and supports specialized immune cells that fend off colds and viruses.
It smoothes skin
The citrus fruit’s high vitamin C and vitamin E content is especially beneficial for the skin. Vitamin C significantly increases the production of collagen, suggests research in the Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. That’s what gives skin its firm, smooth appearance.
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