When I open my eyes in the morning, the first thing I do is drink a glass of warm water with a pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt. It is my sacred ritual to replenish the hydration and minerals lost during the night.
However, the moment my body truly wakes up is when I start my second routine. I swallow a spoonful of Extra Virgin Olive Oil, often referred to as “Liquid Gold.”
“Wait, you drink salt water and then drink oil?” Yes, exactly. I thought it was insane at first, too. But would you believe me if I told you these two small habits turned off the “inflammation switch” in my body?
Today, as a ‘Lazy Perfectionist’ who prefers high-efficiency rituals over a handful of supplements, I want to talk about the core of the world’s hottest ‘Smart Aging’ routine: The Olive Oil Shot.
From Hollywood to Seoul: Why Celebs Drink Oil
This seemingly unusual routine isn’t just my secret. Jennifer Lopez, who possesses skin elasticity that defies her 50s, cites “olive oil,” not cosmetic procedures, as her secret to looking young. She calls it “The Fountain of Youth.”
What about Korea? JYP (Park Jin-young), the legendary K-Pop founder known as the “End Boss of Self-Management,” has been famously taking a shot of olive oil every morning for over 20 years. Top model Han Hye-jin and actress Honey Lee also emphasize high-quality oil as the most critical element of their diets.
Why do they drink oil instead of eating delicious food? The reason is simple. They don’t do it to lose weight; they do it to stop aging.
Bridget June’s Analysis: The 3 Key Benefits of “Liquid Gold”
- Natural Ibuprofen (The Inflammation Cleaner) That spicy, peppery sensation you feel in your throat when swallowing high-quality olive oil comes from ‘Oleocanthal.’ This compound is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. If the pink salt water flushes out waste, the olive oil seeks out chronic inflammation in the body and quietly but powerfully suppresses it.
- Powerful Antioxidants (Inner Beauty) Rich polyphenols and Vitamin E prevent cellular aging. Swallowing a spoonful of premium oil is far more efficient for creating that “glow from within” than applying expensive skincare products.
- Detox and Gut Protection Consuming oil on an empty stomach coats the stomach and intestines while stimulating bile secretion. This results in a surprisingly comfortable and smooth morning detox experience.
How to Choose “Real” Olive Oil: The 4 Criteria
Supermarket shelves are full of olive oil, but the kind you can drink like medicine is rare. You must check the label on the back carefully.
- Extra Virgin: It must be the first extraction from top-quality olives without chemical processing. (Avoid ‘Pure’ or ‘Pomace’ grades; those are for frying.)
- Cold Pressed: Heat destroys nutrients. Choose products extracted at temperatures below 27°C (80°F).
- Acidity Below 0.8%: The lower the acidity, the fresher the oil. Premium lines typically boast 0.2% or lower.
- Organic Certification: Since we are drinking the oil pressed from the whole fruit, avoiding pesticides is not an option—it’s a necessity. Look for the EU Euro-leaf or USDA Organic mark.
Bridget June’s Pick: Premium Recommendations
Here are two candidates I have carefully selected. Both are Spanish organic oils that have swept awards at global competitions.
1. The “Hermès” of Oils: Deortegas Organic Extra Virgin
- Why I chose it: This oil is elegant in both packaging and taste. Extracted via cold pressing below 27°C, it boasts top-tier specs with an acidity level in the 0.1% range.
- Taste Profile: It has a strong grassy aroma and a very spicy finish. That throat-scratching sensation is proof that the anti-inflammatory ‘Oleocanthal’ is alive and well.
- Price: Approx. $45 ~ $50 USD (500ml). Recommended as a premium gift or for those serious about inflammation.
2. The Daily Essential: Soler Romero Organic Extra Virgin
- Why I chose it: Produced by a family with a tradition dating back to 1850. They press the olives within 3 hours of harvesting to maximize freshness. It maintains an incredible acidity of 0.15% or lower.
- Taste Profile: With notes of tomato and almond, it has a great balance. It is perfect for beginners who are trying an olive oil shot for the first time.
- Price: Approx. $20 ~ $25 USD (500ml). Highly recommended for daily consumption.
Conclusion: The Surest Investment for Yourself
Investing in yourself doesn’t have to be grandiose. Rather than buying an expensive luxury bag, I choose to change the one spoonful that goes into my body into a “luxury item.” This is the essence of the “Capitalist Wellness” I pursue.
Tomorrow morning, after your glass of pink salt water, how about joining me for a spoonful of gold?