People Are Now Shooting Olive Oil to Prevent Hangovers

In the ever-evolving world of health trends, a new, somewhat surprising contender has emerged: shooting olive oil to prevent hangovers. This trend has slowly risen to the top of Gen Z’s popularity charts over the last few months, fuelled by pseudo-science and celebrity endorsement.

The Origin of the Trend

The practice gained widespread attention when music producer Benny Blanco, known for his relationship with pop star Selena Gomez, popularized it during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon back in April. In one of the show’s segments, Blanco explained his unusual pre-drinking ritual before enjoying a steak dinner paired with red wine.

Blanco shared, “My friend Nino taught me this. These old guys from Italy came in. They said, ‘Before you drink, you take a shot of this, you can’t get hungover.’” This Mediterranean old wives’ tale claims that olive oil coats your stomach, slowing the rate of alcohol absorption.

The Science (or Pseudo-Science) Behind It

The idea is rooted in the properties of olive oil, specifically its healthy monounsaturated fatty acids. The richness of these fatty acids is believed to coat the stomach, which could potentially delay the process of alcohol absorption. By slowing down how quickly alcohol enters the bloodstream, the classic symptoms of a hangover—headaches, nausea, and dehydration—might be reduced.

A Look at the Mediterranean Influence

The concept isn’t entirely new and draws from Mediterranean dietary habits where olive oil is a staple. The theory suggests that consuming fatty foods before drinking can help mitigate hangovers by slowing the stomach’s emptying process. This delay means that alcohol is absorbed more gradually, which might help in reducing the intensity of a hangover the next day.

Celebrity Influence and Popularity Among Gen Z

Benny Blanco’s endorsement has undoubtedly played a significant role in propelling this trend. Celebrity influence, especially on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, has a powerful effect on young audiences. The visual appeal and simplicity of taking a shot of olive oil before a night out resonate with Gen Z, always on the lookout for quick and innovative hacks to improve their well-being.

Should You Try It?

While the idea is intriguing, it’s essential to approach such trends with a healthy dose of skepticism. There’s limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of olive oil in preventing hangovers. However, incorporating olive oil into your diet does have proven health benefits, thanks to its high content of monounsaturated fats and antioxidants.

For those interested in trying it out, a shot of olive oil might not hurt, but it shouldn’t replace other established methods of hangover prevention, such as staying hydrated, eating a balanced meal before drinking, and moderating alcohol consumption.

Cheers!