Olive oil and lemon juice shots: The TikTok trend that’s giving Med vibes
From those super-glowy TikTok shots to Mediterranean-inspired breakfasts, olive oil and lemon juice has become one of the internet’s favorite simple health hacks. Whether you’ve seen people taking an early morning shot or heard claims about drinking olive oil and lemon juice before bed, the trend is everywhere right now.
But what does lemon juice and olive oil actually do – and is it genuinely good for you?
The short answer: it can absolutely be part of a healthy lifestyle, just maybe not in the dramatic “detox cure” way social media sometimes suggests.
Extra virgin olive oil is rich in healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, while lemon juice provides vitamin C and a bright, fresh flavor that can lift healthy foods to genuinely delicious. Together, lemon juice and olive oil are often linked with:
- Supporting Mediterranean-style eating (a fave for our fertility readers)
- Helping meals feel more satisfying
- Encouraging healthy fats in the diet
- Adding flavour without loads of sugar or processed sauces
And honestly? Healthy habits are much easier to stick to when they actually taste nice.
@wellfromscratch This is what lowering inflammation looks like. For 7 mornings straight, I started my day with a simple olive oil + lemon shot. Nothing else changed – same skincare, same routine, same life. What did change was internal inflammation. Why this combo works: – supports bile flow → better fat digestion – improves gut motility → less stagnation – olive oil polyphenols (esp. oleocanthal) → anti-inflammatory + antioxidant – lemon → stimulates digestive enzymes + nutrient absorption Together, they support gut health, reduce oxidative stress, and lower systemic inflammation – which often shows up first in the skin. Quality matters here. Cold-pressed, early-harvest, high-polyphenol olive oil makes the difference. I drank it first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach, for 7 days. No makeup in any of these clips. #oliveoil #wellness #inflammation #glowup #skincare ♬ theclubrock – Benny Bellson
If you’re interested in fertility-friendly nutrition and Mediterranean eating, our refreshed guide to Mediterranean diet and fertility is worth a read.
Is olive oil and lemon juice good for you?
For most people, yes – in moderation.
There’s nothing magical about the combination (sorry!), but incorporating healthy fats and citrus into meals absolutely supports overall wellbeing. Many people also enjoy the ritual aspect, particularly in the morning.
Potential benefits may include:
- Feeling fuller for longer (a big deal, if weight loss is your goal)
- Supporting balanced meals
- Making vegetables, grains and fish more appealing
- Encouraging anti-inflammatory Mediterranean-style eating habits
Oily fish also pairs beautifully with lemon and olive oil, and you can read more here: What fish are good for fertility?
Ok fine, but what about those shots?
If you want to try the viral olive oil and lemon juice shot, there’s no reason you can’t – as long as you keep expectations realistic.
Will it transform your life overnight? No.
Will it make you feel extremely wellness-coded while standing in your kitchen? Potentially.
The classic shot recipe
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Tiny pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- Optional drizzle of honey (optional)
Whisk together and down it – just like, well, a shot. I love my hand-held mini whisk for this kind of thing.
Real-world advice (and notes on cayenne)
- Start small – one tablespoon is plenty
- Don’t do it on a completely empty stomach if you get reflux or nausea
- Chasing it with water is completely acceptable
- If the cayenne pepper makes your soul leave your body slightly, leave it out
Adding cayenne has become popular online because it contains capsaicin, which may create a warming effect and temporarily support metabolism. Some people love it (I do, especially for coughs, colds and hangovers). Others immediately regret their choices.
Drinking olive oil and lemon juice before bed
Another version of the trend involves drinking olive oil and lemon juice before bed, often with claims about digestion or “overnight detoxing”.
In reality, your liver and kidneys already detox your body perfectly well. However, some people simply enjoy the soothing ritual or find healthy fats help them feel satisfied in the evening.
Morning side effects to watch out for
While generally safe for healthy adults, olive oil and lemon juice can cause:
- Heartburn or acid reflux
- Stomach discomfort
- Loose stools if overdone
- Tooth sensitivity from acidic lemon juice
If you have a sensitive stomach, the gentler option is often better.
Looking for something gentler?
We all need a Type B option. Mix:
- Warm water
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Tiny pinch cayenne
- Slice of ginger
Sip slowly instead of throwing back concentrated oil at 7am like a Victorian health dabbler.
How much lemon juice and olive oil per day?
You really don’t need huge amounts. Around 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon daily is more than enough for most people. And ideally, you’d incorporate it into actual meals.
Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, fish, grains or salads and suddenly healthy food feels far more unctious.
Next on your list: Our actionable guide to how to make water taste better has some genuinely useful ideas.
