Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column from news.com.au. This week, Dr Zac Turner explores a health trend that’s gone viral on TikTok.
QUESTION: Hi Dr Zac, there’s this really annoying girl at my gym who keeps rabbiting on about how she starts every morning by swigging a quarter of a cup of olive oil before she hits the gym. Gross. She says it improves her gut health and sets her up for a good day. She’s obsessed with the Kardashians and tells me Kourtney Kardashian swears by it and she’s seen loads of TikToks about it.
I hate the Kardashians, and I hate TikTok even more. Is this woman spending too much time on social media and not enough time in the real world? I’m coming to you for advice as a real doctor, because just like Kim Kardashian is not a real lawyer, I think it’s best I get the truth from someone with an actual medical degree. – Cassie, 29, Surry Hills, NSW
ANSWER: Hey Cassie, firstly, I love your dedication to fact-checking TikTok trends with an actual doctor – gold star for you.
Now, about this olive oil craze.
Your gym nemesis isn’t entirely wrong – extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) does have some impressive health benefits.
But should you be chugging it straight like it’s a tequila shot? Well, that’s another story.
Olive oil, especially the extra virgin kind, is packed with healthy mono-unsaturated fats and polyphenols, which are basically superheroes for your gut.
These compounds help reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar and promote good bacteria in your gut. Some studies even suggest it may ease digestion and bloating.
Sounds great, right?
But here’s the kicker – drinking it straight won’t give you instant abs or transform your digestive system overnight.
It’s a long-term health booster, not a magic potion. Think of it like using a good moisturiser – you won’t wake up wrinkle-free after one use, but over time, it makes a difference.
So, should you start downing shots of it?
Look, you can drink a bit of olive oil if you want, but there are more enjoyable ways to get the benefits.
A tablespoon or two per day (15-30ml) is plenty – drizzle it on salads, cook with it, or even mix it into a smoothie if you’re feeling fancy.
But let’s be real, drinking it straight might not be the most pleasant experience unless you enjoy the taste of liquid salad dressing at 7am.
The downsides of going overboard
Too much of a good thing can backfire.
Olive oil is still high in fat (healthy fat, but fat nonetheless), and each tablespoon packs around 120 calories.
If you start pouring it over everything like it’s an elixir of life, you might find your jeans getting a little tighter.
It can also be a bit much for your digestive system.
I’ve had patients go all-in on the olive oil trend, only to come back complaining of bloating and stomach cramps.
If your gut suddenly feels like a washing machine on the spin cycle, you might be overdoing it.
What happens if you don’t get enough healthy fats?
On the flip side, avoiding fats altogether isn’t great either.
Your body needs healthy fats to absorb vitamins and keep your skin, hair and brain in top shape.
If you’re constantly feeling tired, struggling with dry skin or can’t remember where you put your car keys, you might be missing out on essential fats.
The verdict?
Olive oil is great for your gut, but it’s not a miracle cure, and you definitely don’t need to drink it straight to get the benefits.
Stick to one to two tablespoons a day, enjoy it in your food, and remember – just because a Kardashian does something, doesn’t mean it’s the secret to eternal health.
And as for your gym buddy, maybe challenge her to a contest: she can drink her olive oil, and you can enjoy yours in a delicious Greek salad.
Let’s see who has a better time.
