What began as a viral wellness trend — taking a daily shot of olive oil — became a personal experiment for registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, who wanted to separate fact from hype. The trend promised glowing skin, more energy, and improved digestion. Curious but skeptical, Lauren committed to drinking a small serving of extra virgin olive oil each morning for a week, documenting every change along the way. Her goal wasn’t instant transformation, but a realistic look at how her body would respond.
From the start, she discovered that the experience wasn’t exactly pleasant. The thick texture and strong flavor made it hard to swallow, so she got creative — mixing olive oil into her coffee, drizzling it over vegetables, or adding it to popcorn instead of consuming it straight. These small adjustments helped her stick to the challenge, but after seven days, she didn’t notice any dramatic effects. Her skin looked the same, her focus didn’t change, and those popular “detox” claims proved unfounded.
Still, Lauren understood that health improvements often happen quietly. Olive oil is packed with antioxidants, vitamin E, and healthy monounsaturated fats, which work behind the scenes to reduce inflammation, protect cells, and support cardiovascular health. Research supports these benefits, linking regular olive oil consumption to lower LDL cholesterol, a reduced risk of heart disease, and even improved brain function over time. “You don’t feel your body fighting inflammation,” Lauren explained, “but that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.”
By the end of the week, she wasn’t transformed — but she was enlightened. Her biggest takeaway? Consistency matters more than quick fixes. Olive oil is most effective when it’s part of a balanced diet rather than taken as a shot. “You don’t need to drink it straight to get the benefits,” she advised. “Just use it generously in your cooking.” Her experiment proved that sustainable, simple habits — not viral fads — are what truly nurture lasting wellness.