If you’ve been anywhere near the wellness side of social media lately, you’ve probably seen it:
A shot of extra virgin olive oil. A squeeze of fresh lemon. First thing in the morning.
It’s become one of the latest morning wellness rituals, with people adding it to their routines for everything from digestion and hydration to simply starting the day with something intentional.
And while no single morning habit is going to completely transform your health, there are actually some good reasons these two ingredients have earned their spot in the wellness conversation.
Why Extra Virgin Olive Oil?
Extra virgin olive oil — or EVOO — absolutely deserves a place in a healthy diet.
It’s rich in monounsaturated fats and contains naturally occurring plant compounds, including polyphenols. Olive oil is also a major component of the Mediterranean diet, an eating pattern associated with cardiovascular health and overall longevity.
And unlike a lot of wellness trends, EVOO isn’t some new ingredient that suddenly appeared on your feed. It’s a simple, nutrient-rich food that has been used for centuries.
What About the Lemon?
Lemon brings a little more than just making your morning shot easier to take. It provides vitamin C and naturally occurring antioxidants, while its bright flavor can make your morning routine feel a little more refreshing.
It can also be added to water afterward, making it an easy way to start getting some fluids early in the day. EVOO and lemon are both simple ingredients on their own, but together they’ve become an easy ritual that takes just a few seconds.
Does It Help With Digestion?
This is one of the biggest reasons people have started reaching for EVOO and lemon in the morning.
Dietary fat plays an important role in digestion, and olive oil may help support bowel regularity for some people. Starting the day with fluids can also support normal digestion and hydration.
Everyone’s digestive system is different, so the experience won’t necessarily be the same for everyone. But if this little morning ritual leaves you feeling good, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it around.
What About Weight Loss?
EVOO can absolutely be part of a nutrition plan that supports healthy weight management.
Healthy fats help make meals satisfying, and incorporating sources like olive oil into an overall balanced diet can make healthy eating more enjoyable and sustainable.
One thing to keep in mind is that olive oil is calorie-dense, with roughly 120 calories per tablespoon. That’s not a reason to avoid it, it’s simply something to account for as part of your overall intake.
