It started as a social media wellness trend — a quick “shot” of olive oil each morning, promising glowing skin, boosted energy, and better digestion. Curious about whether these viral claims were fact or fiction, dietitian Lauren Manaker decided to try it herself. Every day for a week, she drank a small shot of extra virgin olive oil and carefully tracked how her body reacted. As someone who understood the science behind nutrition, she wasn’t chasing miracles — just real results. What she found was a surprising mix of truth, myth, and quiet health benefits that don’t always show on the outside.
At first, Lauren admitted it wasn’t easy. The thick texture and strong taste made the experience unpleasant, so she began experimenting — stirring it into her morning coffee, drizzling it over popcorn, or adding it to roasted vegetables instead of drinking it straight. These small adjustments made it easier to stick with the challenge, and by the end of the week, she felt comfortable making olive oil a regular part of her routine. But despite what online influencers promised, there were no dramatic overnight transformations. Her skin didn’t suddenly glow, her focus stayed the same, and she didn’t experience any digestive “cleansing” effects that some claimed.
Still, Lauren knew that visible changes aren’t the only signs of improvement. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, vitamin E, and healthy fats — all of which quietly support the body from within. “You don’t feel your body fighting inflammation or lowering bad cholesterol,” she explained, “but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening.” Scientific studies back her up: regular olive oil intake can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower harmful LDL cholesterol, and provide anti-inflammatory benefits similar to mild pain relievers. The healthy fats may also support brain function and protect against cognitive decline over time.
By the end of her experiment, Lauren wasn’t glowing from instant results — but she was glowing with knowledge. The biggest takeaway was that consistency, not quick fixes, matters most. Olive oil can absolutely support long-term health, but it works best as part of a balanced diet — not a solo shot. Her advice was simple: “You don’t need to drink it straight to get the benefits. Just use it generously in your meals.” It’s a reminder that sometimes the quiet, everyday habits — not viral trends — are the ones that truly nurture our health.