Welcome to Ask Doctor Zac, a weekly column of News.com.au. This week, Dr. Zac Turner explores a health trend that has gone viral on Tiktok.
ASK: Hi Dr. Zac, there is this really annoying girl in my gym who follows rabbits on how he starts every morning when making a cup of olive oil before hitting the gym. Rough. She says she improves her intestinal health and prepares her for a good day. She is obsessed with the Kardashians and tells me that Kourtney Kardashian swears and has seen a lot of Tiktoks about it.
I hate Kardashians and I hate Tiktok even more. Is this woman spending too much time on social networks and there is not enough time in the real world? I come to you to obtain advice as a real doctor, because like Kim Kardashian he is not a true lawyer, I think it is better to receive someone’s truth with a real medical title. – Cassie, 29, Surry Hills, NSW
ANSWER: Hi Cassie, first of all, I love your dedication to Tiktok’s trends of fact verification with a real doctorate: Gold Star for you.
Now, on this fashion of olive oil.
Its gym nemesis is not entirely incorrect: extra virgin olive oil (AOVE) has some impressive health benefits.
But should you take it directly as if it were a tequila shot? Well, that’s another story.
Olive oil, especially the type of extra virgin, is full of healthy fatty fats and polyphenols, which are basically superheroes for their intestine.
These compounds help reduce inflammation, balance blood sugar and promote good bacteria in their intestine. Some studies even suggest that you can relieve digestion and swelling.
It sounds great, right?
But here is the kicker: drinking it directly will not give you instant abdominals or transform your digestive system during the night.
It is a long -term health reinforcement, not a magical potion. Think about it how to use a good moisturizer: it will not wake up without wrinkles after a use, but over time, make a difference.
So, should you start having shots?
Look, you can drink some olive oil if you wish, but there are more pleasant ways to get the benefits.
A tablespoon or two per day (15-30 ml) is enough: sprinkle it in salads, cook with it or even mix it in a shake if you feel elegant.
But let’s be realistic, drinking it directly may not be the most pleasant experience unless enjoying the taste of liquid salads at 7 am
The disadvantages of going overboard
Too good thing can be counterproductive.
Olive oil still has a fat (healthy fat, but fat), and each tablespoon has about 120 calories.
If you start pouring it especially as if it were an elixir of life, it is possible that your jeans become a little stricter.
It can also be too much for your digestive system.
I have had patients in the olive oil trend, just to return complaining about swelling and stomach cramps.
If your intestine suddenly feels like a washing machine in the turning cycle, it may be exaggerated.
What happens if you don’t receive enough healthy fats?
On the other hand, avoiding fats completely is not great either.
Your body needs healthy fats to absorb vitamins and maintain your skin, hair and brain in your best state.
If you constantly feel tired, fighting with dry skin or cannot remember where you put the keys to your car, you may be missing essential fats.
The verdict?
Olive oil is ideal for its intestine, but it is not a miraculous cure, and definitely does not need to drink it directly to obtain the benefits.
Give yourself with one or two tablespoons a day, enjoy it in your food and remember, just because a Kardashian does something, does not mean that it is the secret to eternal health.
And as for your friend of gymnastics, maybe challenge it to a contest: you can drink your olive oil and you can enjoy yours in a delicious Greek salad.
Let’s see who has a better time.
