“It’s me, sesame oil”… Is it better to eat sesame oil, which is good for your body, ‘at this time’?

A scene from the recently popular Netflix variety show "Black and White Chef: Culinary Class Wars" where cooking YouTuber Choi Kang-rok says, "It's me, perilla oil," has become a hot topic. Perilla oil plays a crucial role in Korean cuisine, boasting a unique aroma and nutty flavor. Adding it to various dishes like seasoned vegetables, bibimbap, and soups enhances their flavor. Consuming a spoonful of perilla oil on an empty stomach is beneficial for your health. Let's delve into why.

◇Eating on an empty stomach increases satiety and helps with dieting.

When we fast for more than 12 hours, our blood sugar levels drop and our bodies shift from "fat synthesis" to "fat breakdown." This opens up the possibility of dieting. Consuming sesame oil during this time is effective for weight loss.

This is because the linoleic acid contained in perilla oil promotes fat burning and is effective in weight loss. Perilla oil is also rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which increase satiety and suppress appetite. Therefore, taking a spoonful of perilla oil on an empty stomach in the morning can boost metabolism and increase daily calorie consumption.

◇Cardiovascular protection, bone strengthening, and skin health

In addition to dieting, perilla oil is effective in preventing cardiovascular disease due to its high omega-3 content among vegetable oils. Compared to sesame oil, which typically contains 0.7% alpha-linolenic acid, perilla oil accounts for over 60% of total fatty acids, a significantly higher level. Omega-3 helps remove cholesterol from blood vessel walls and prevents the formation of sticky blood clots. Therefore, it promotes blood circulation and protects the cardiovascular system. According to the British Medical Journal, a group that consumed 30g of omega-3-rich seeds per day for a month experienced a 17% and 23% decrease in blood pressure and cholesterol levels, respectively.

Omega-3s alleviate arthritis by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which cause inflammation. They also promote and strengthen bone formation. The Rural Development Administration recommends consuming 3 grams of perilla oil (half a tablespoon) per day to prevent chronic diseases. Perilla oil is also beneficial for skin health. According to the Rural Development Administration, the rosmarinic acid and luteolin in perilla seeds, the raw material for perilla oil, inhibit the production of melanin, the pigment responsible for freckles and blemishes, resulting in a whitening effect. They also have strong UV protection and antioxidant properties that suppress skin inflammation.

◇If stored at room temperature, it will quickly go rancid, so close the lid and store in the refrigerator.

However, the storage method for perilla oil is very important. This is because perilla oil is prone to rancidity due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids. When rancid omega-3s are absorbed into the body, they increase reactive oxygen species and can act as carcinogens. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety also warns that rancid perilla oil is harmful to health and should not be consumed. Perilla oil's rancidity rate is particularly accelerated when stored at room temperature. Therefore,

Perilla oil should be stored at a low temperature (below 4 degrees Celsius) and in an airtight container with a tight lid to prevent exposure to air. The Rural Development Administration recommends storing perilla oil in the refrigerator at home. When selecting perilla oil, it's best to choose recently produced oil and purchase small quantities frequently. Drinking perilla oil from the bottle is not only difficult to control, but can also cause bacteria to grow in the bottle if it's brought to your mouth.