Health
A TikTok trend among Generation Z involves taking shots of olive oil before drinking alcohol to potentially reduce hangover effects, gaining popularity due to social media influence and claims by American record producer Benny Blanco. Despite claims that olive oil can prevent hangovers by coating the stomach, experts like Mary Flynn and Chris Rhodes maintain that the trend is not scientifically proven, as hangovers are caused by various factors related to alcohol consumption and cannot be completely cured by any single substance.
A recent TikTok trend has emerged among Generation Z, wherein individuals consume shots of olive oil before drinking alcohol, with the belief that this practice may mitigate the effects of hangovers.
Although the concept is not entirely novel, its popularity has surged recently, reflecting a confluence of social media influence and pseudoscientific claims.
The trend gained traction following assertions made by American record producer and songwriter Benny Blanco, who contended that the pre-drinking ritual of ingesting olive oil effectively prevents hangovers.
There is no harm in consuming olive oil, but no benefit for a hangover.- Mary Flynn, founder, Olive Oil Health Initiative of Brown University
Blanco advocates for this method, claiming it renders one immune to the discomfort of a hangover the following day.
“My friend Nino taught me this,” Blanco told The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon. “These old guys from Italy came in. They said, ‘Before you drink, you take a shot of this, you can’t get hungover. Impossible.”
Blanco and Fallon drank two shots of olive oil before consuming a glass of red wine. Blanco’s claim has ignited discussions among internet users and garnered significant attention on social media platforms, particularly TikTok.
@ggduve worst shot ever? yes. did it work? yes. will i do it again? maybe. #hangovercure#oliveoilshots#pregame#jimmyfallon#bennyblanco♬ original sound — FallonTonight
In August, a TikTok user known as Itssjessc provided an update on her experience.
“It helped. I’m not going to say it’s going to fully cure you from a hangover if you drink a lot, but I’m a lightweight, and usually the next morning, regardless of how many drinks I have, I don’t feel very well,” Itssjessc wrote. “However, I feel fine right now. I feel much better.”
See Also:Spanish Social Media Users Unimpressed With Government’s Olive Oil Tax Cut“I confirm that,” wrote another TikTok user. “It is known in Greece too, a tablespoon of olive oil before you go out and no hangover.”
Social media users assert that “the olive oil coats the stomach and prevents gastric emptying, so it prevents alcohol from getting into the intestine.”
However, the Association of UK Dieticians has pointed out that there is “no such thing as lining your stomach.”
Mary Flynn, the founder of the Olive Oil Health Initiative of Brown University’s Miriam Hospital, told Olive Oil Times that the trend is “quite humorous” but has some truth.
“Alcohol, water and sodium are absorbed from the stomach; everything else is absorbed in the first part of the small intestines, the duodenum,” she said. “That is why if you have an ‘empty stomach’ (i.e., are hungry), you can feel the effects of alcohol quicker than if you have eaten.”
Flynn added that peptide, a gastric inhibitory peptide present in fat, slows the stomach emptying process. Additionally, fat is more difficult to absorb than proteins and carbohydrates, so it is released from the stomach more slowly.
“So fat will slow things leaving the stomach, but I could not think how it would affect alcohol leaving the stomach, and it certainly would not help with a hangover,” Flynn said.
Chris Rhodes, a medical doctor and nutrition expert, told The Focus that nothing can cure a hangover, and most home remedies attempt to ease the symptoms.
“The long and short of it is no, olive oil will not be able to prevent a hangover,” he said. “Hangovers are a multifaceted condition caused by the far-reaching negative effects of alcohol consumption that include problems from dehydration to inflammation, brain damage to liver function.”
Flynn added that the basic premise behind the claim is incorrect, pointing out that the stomach is full of hydrochloric acid, which breaks down food and liquid for digestion, so no single substance ‘coats’ the stomach.
“Your stomach is not empty like a plastic container, so oil would not ‘coat’ it,” she said. “It is possible that if someone drank a cup or so of any oil – other oils would do the same thing they are claiming for olive oil – that might slow alcohol absorption, but a big ‘might.’”
However, Flynn pointed out that fatty food consumed with alcohol may help to dilute it and possibly slow its absorption. “That is the idea behind serving cheese with alcohol,” she said.
“There is no harm in consuming olive oil, but no benefit for a hangover,” Flynn concluded.
More articles on: olive oil health, media, trending
Dec. 5, 2024
An Accusation of Widespread Fraud Sparks Controversy in Spain
The general secretary of the giant Spanish cooperative Dcoop accused bottlers of selling sunflower oil blends labeled as olive oil.
Mar. 18, 2025
Exploring Olive Oil's Impact on Mental Well-being
The potential benefits of the Mediterranean diet for mental health warrant further research to identify the operative mechanisms.
Jun. 19, 2025
Research Demonstrates Potential of Oleuropein in Bowel Disease Treatment
Oleuropein is well-known for its many therapeutic effects. A new study delves into its coloprotective mechanisms, opening the door to new treatment methods.
Dec. 30, 2024
Spain Tackles the Salty Truth About Table Olives
High sodium levels in table olives concern public health officials, but the pollution from the production process is even greater.
Apr. 17, 2025
Top Producers Emerge as Competition Nears Final Results
As results continue to be announced, a snapshot reveals a dynamic and competitive year, with established leaders holding their ground and new challengers making a name for themselves.
Jun. 11, 2025
EFSA Panel Rejects Some Olive Oil Polyphenol Health Claims
The panel rejected two submissions from Italy and Spain, stating that the scientific evidence fell short of the requirements.
Jan. 9, 2025
MedDiet Named World’s Best for Eighth Straight Year
A panel of experts selected the Mediterranean diet as the world’s best due to its variety of nutrient-dense foods, health benefits and flexibility.
Feb. 3, 2025
New Class of Sommeliers Affirmed in London
Producers, importers, retailers and olive oil enthusiasts from around the world delved into production and sensory assessment in Central London.