Have you ever wondered if consuming olive oil and lemon juice in the morning might be the key to your health? A small daily ritual like this has been going around for some time on wellness blogs, social media, and even among friends who keep saying it. However, it is one thing to be a truth, another to be a lie, and in some cases, somewhere in the middle. Science, what does it say about this popular homemade remedy?
The concept behind the mixture is very basic: one tablespoon of olive oil, a couple of drops of lemon juice, and mix well for a single shot. Normally, this is done as the first thing in the morning. The list of the supporters says it can do everything, starting from detoxifying the body, shedding extra pounds, treating kidney stones, and so on. Nevertheless, it keeps on ridding the body of aches and pains, reinforcing the digestion, getting younger, and even protecting the heart. Be that as it may, the marketing claims sound good, don’t they?
As far as detox is concerned, the science is settled. Your kidneys and liver are already doing a great job of eliminating poisons from your system. There isn’t a food or beverage that can “detox” you, as these claims imply. Olive oil and lemon juice will be fine in their own right, but they can’t do what your organs are designed to do.
The same applies to weight loss. Olive oil has healthy fats for the heart, and lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which has something to do with how your body metabolizes fat. To make a salad dressing or marinade using the two may be a good low-calorie method for getting flavor into your food, but there’s no scientific basis for believing that drinking the mixture causes weight loss. Sustained outcomes result from long-term diet and exercise, not rapid solutions.
One of the most abiding myths is that this combination can get rid of gallstones or kidney stones. Lemon juice does include citrate, which can keep some sorts of kidney stones from forming in individuals with low urine levels of citrate. Olive oil doesn’t have any established effect, however, and there isn’t enough evidence to support the notion that this beverage will “lubricate” stones so you can pass them.
On the topic of joint inflammation and pain, glove oil does have anti-inflammatory properties, and the vitamin C in the lemon juice prevents inflammation and lubricates joints. However, there is no proof that a mixture of these two will resolve the pain. They are finest as part of a diet that is low in inflammatory compounds.
Regarding digestion, olive oil is a bile production stimulant, which is the main process through which fats are digested, whereas lemon juice can offer enzymes the required environment for functioning. Besides, vitamin C also helps the body obtain iron from plant foods. Still, there is no definite scientific proof that the three of them would make a better combination for digestion. A lifestyle for better gut health would be a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
Both olive oil and lemon juice greatly contribute to the good reputation of the skin care and anti-aging industry. It is mainly due to the Mediterranean diet, which is the combination of these foods and is known to be good for long life and overall wellness. Olive oil is the source of antioxidants and good fats, whereas lemon juice brings vitamin C, the most important nutrient for collagen production. The benefits, however, come from incorporating them regularly in your meals, not from taking them all at once in a single shot.
Already one of the best-known substances for reducing LDL or “bad” cholesterol and preventing inflammation is olive oil, which is also very beneficial for the liver and the heart. Vitamin C in lemon juice is another source of energy for the cardiovascular system. The Mediterranean diet can lower the fat content in the liver and make it easier for the liver itself to work; however, the liver doesn’t need special detox drinks-it does the detox process naturally by purifying blood and releasing bile to get rid of the waste.
Without a doubt, there are dangers. Lemon juice is highly acidic and will inflame the stomach lining, especially if it is consumed in large amounts on an empty stomach. It might cause acid reflux or heartburn in some people, and the acid will also erode your tooth enamel little by little. While olive oil is a healthy fat, it is still calorie-dense–at around 119 calories per tablespoon–so if you used it in large quantities very often, you would steadily contribute to your weight gain. Besides that, olive oil also stimulates bile production, and thus, this can make gallbladder problems worse, while lemon juice may also interact with some medications. If you are on prescription medication or have any health issues, it would be more prudent of you to see your doctor first and then only add this to your routine.
One tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil combined with one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is a better choice if you are interested in trying it. The acidity is kept mild, and the calories are in check. However, most doctors still recommend taking it only a few times a week. A more joyful and equally healthy way is to use olive oil and lemon juice to season your vegetables. You will then have the flavor and the advantages of the product, without the risk of stomach discomfort. Herbal teas, fruit-infused water, and whole foods are also great ways to keep your digestive system and liver healthy.
Both olive oil and lemon juice are good for health when consumed as part of a balanced diet; however, the rumors that the combination is some kind of miracle cure are closer to myths than facts. Use them in small quantities, enjoy them in your food, and let your body’s natural systems do the real work of keeping you healthy.