When it comes to health hacks, there are so many myths. For example, recently bloggers have been claiming that a glass of extra virgin olive oil is the secret to maintaining peak digestive health. But is that true? Is it good to drink olive oil in the morning?
ContentIs it good to drink olive oil in the morning?Potential risks of spoonfuls of olive oilSo should you drink a glass of olive oil every day?
WomanEL understands that many people are concerned about gut health and metabolism. So let's figure it out together.
Is it good to drink olive oil in the morning?
A glass of olive oil isn't necessarily good for you, but it's not necessarily bad either. Olive oil, especially extra virgin olive oil, has been shown to promote heart health, regulate cholesterol levels, reduce inflammation, and support digestive health. But that doesn't mean you need to drink the standard 1.75-ounce serving, says nutritionist Aderet Dana Goh. Why? She explains that these benefits are easily achieved by adding olive oil to prepared meals and a balanced diet.
Beneficial monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and polyphenols (a group of immune-supporting compounds that help fight infections and diseases) also have a positive impact on the gut microbiome, while also supporting brain function, skin health, cell membrane integrity, and the absorption of fat-soluble nutrients.
But again, you don't have to drink only olive oil to reap these benefits, says nutrition expert Avery Zenker.
“Healthy fats, found in olive oil, nuts, olives, avocados, chia seeds, eggs, pumpkin seeds and fish, are good for our diet for a number of reasons. But it's not the same as drinking glasses of olive oil,” explains registered dietitian Maddy Pasquariello.
If your goal is to improve your overall health and digestion, it's more important to exercise regularly, limit your intake of processed foods and eat a variety of foods rich in fruits, vegetables and healthy fats, she says.
Want to avoid bowel cancer? According to research, we all need to eat these types of foods.
Potential risks of olive oil spoons
Olive oil is essentially a lubricant for the intestines. Therefore, too much of it can lead to unpleasant gastrointestinal upsets such as diarrhea, nausea, or indigestion. People prone to acid reflux and those with gallbladder problems should also avoid this trend. Because high-fat foods, including olive oil, can worsen symptoms and cause gallbladder complications.
And while olive oil is considered a clean, healthy source of fat, a spoonful of it doesn't offer much satisfaction. It's also not the most filling snack, despite the fact that a 1.7-ounce serving contains 376 calories and 43 grams of fat.
In other words, the calories don't fill you up and aren't a significant source of micronutrients. It's better to snack on other sources of healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, fish, and avocados.
So should you eat them every day? a glass of olive oil?
Most likely not. A small glass of olive oil is generally safe for most people. But it's certainly not a golden ticket to health, says Goh. “I don't recommend eating foods alone because foods are best digested and absorbed as part of whole, balanced meals that include a variety of nutrients.”
Pasquariello agrees, calling the olive oil shots “absolutely unnecessary,” and there’s no solid scientific evidence to support the trend as beneficial. “If you’re looking at these olive oil shots as a panacea to treat any disease or optimize any aspect of your health, we have no evidence that it’s going to be beneficial,” she explains. “I don’t know of any disease that it’s going to lead to improved health.”
So instead of slurping down a fatty serving, Zenker says it’s better to incorporate olive oil into a variety of dishes. Her top tips for reaping the benefits? Add olive oil to salad dressings or marinades, spread on fresh bread, blend into smoothies, or add it to creamy dips like hummus and tahini. It may not cause a stir on social media, but it will be much healthier.
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