If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen it: people taking a shot of extra virgin olive oil first thing in the morning, swearing by its health benefits. And while the visual might raise an eyebrow, the experts agree there’s more to this trend than just a viral moment.

Where the Trend Meets the Truth

Good extra virgin olive oil has long been celebrated as a pillar of the Mediterranean diet, which consistently ranks as one of the healthiest ways to eat. But does sipping it straight from the bottle really do anything special?

According to registered dietitians and gut health experts, the answer is: kind of. The real power of olive oil comes when you use it as it’s meant to be used in your meals.

“Olive oil has plant compounds in it that are very beneficial for human health,” said Liz Weinandy, lead dietitian at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. “I would recommend people add it to their food rather than just taking a shot of it.”

That’s because olive oil works as a carrier fat, helping your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients from foods like leafy greens, tomatoes, and carrots. In other words, when EVOO shows up on your plate, it brings its benefits and unlocks even more from the rest of your meal.

Gut Health, But Make It Delicious

The viral olive oil trend isn’t entirely off-base. Maya Feller, a Brooklyn-based nutritionist, told Good Morning America that olive oil can support the gut microbiome by helping beneficial bacteria thrive. And a healthier gut means better digestion, stronger immunity, and even improved mood.

“There is research to show the microorganisms in our gut can break down the beneficial compounds in olive oil and improve our gut health,” Weinandy added. “This is important because we know there are a lot of functions the gut microbiome plays in our overall health.”

From reducing inflammation to protecting cognitive function, olive oil’s benefits go way beyond the kitchen.

Quality Matters…Always

One thing every expert agrees on? Not all oils are created equal. If you’re going to add olive oil to your routine, whether it’s in a salad dressing, over roasted vegetables, or yes, even by the spoonful, it needs to be real extra virgin olive oil.

Feller made it clear: “I wouldn’t take it unless it’s really high-quality extra virgin olive oil and well sourced.”

That’s why at Bodacious, we only source oils that are 100% traceable to their region and harvest date. You’ll never find mystery blends or overprocessed filler oils here. Just vibrant, cold-pressed flavor and a whole lot of nutrition in every drop.