Recently, a scene from the popular Netflix variety show "Black and White Chef: Cooking Class War," where food YouTuber Choi Kang-rok said "It's me, perilla oil," became a hot topic. Perilla oil has a distinctive aroma and nutty flavor, playing an important role in Korean cuisine. Adding it to various dishes such as seasoned vegetables, bibimbap, and soups enhances the flavor. Consuming a spoonful of perilla oil on an empty stomach is good for health. Let's explore the reasons in detail.

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

If you go without food for more than 12 hours, your body’s blood sugar levels drop, and your body shifts from a state of 'fat synthesis' to 'fat breakdown.' This opens up the possibility for dieting. At this time, eating perilla oil is effective for weight loss.

Linoleic acid contained in perilla oil promotes fat burning and is effective for weight loss. Additionally, perilla oil is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which increase satiety and suppress appetite. Therefore, consuming a tablespoon of perilla oil on an empty stomach in the morning can activate metabolism and increase the calories burned throughout the day.

◇Protects the cardiovascular system, strengthens bones... also good for skin health

Not only for dieting, but perilla oil, a plant-based oil, is effective in preventing cardiovascular diseases due to its high omega-3 content. Typically, sesame oil contains 0.7% alpha-linolenic acid, whereas perilla oil accounts for over 60% of total fatty acids, making it significantly higher. Omega-3 has the effect of removing cholesterol attached to the vessel walls and preventing the formation of sticky blood clots. Therefore, it helps improve blood circulation and protects the heart and blood vessels. According to the British Medical Journal, a group that consumed 30 grams of omega-3-rich seeds daily for a month experienced a 17% reduction in blood pressure and a 23% reduction in cholesterol levels. Additionally

Omega-3 suppresses the production of prostaglandins that cause inflammation, thereby alleviating arthritis. It also has the effect of promoting and strengthening bone formation. The Rural Development Administration recommends consuming 3 grams of perilla oil (half a tablespoon based on a rice spoon) daily to prevent chronic diseases. Perilla oil also benefits skin health. According to the Rural Development Administration, the rosmarinic acid and luteolin components in perilla seeds, the raw material for perilla oil, inhibit the production of melanin pigments that cause freckles and dark spots, demonstrating a whitening effect. It also has high UV protection and antioxidant properties that suppress skin inflammation.

Store at room temperature to prevent rapid rancidity; close the lid and keep refrigerated.

However, the storage method of perilla seed oil is very important. Perilla seed oil has a high content of unsaturated fatty acids, making it prone to rancidity. When oxidized omega-3 is absorbed into the body, it increases active oxygen levels and can act as a carcinogen. The Korea Food & Drug Administration also warns that rancid perilla seed oil is harmful to health and should not be consumed. In particular, the rancidity of perilla seed oil accelerates when stored at room temperature. Therefore

Perilla seed oil must be stored in a sealed container at a temperature below 4°C to prevent exposure to air. The Rural Development Administration recommends that household perilla seed oil be kept refrigerated. When choosing perilla seed oil, it is best to select the most recently produced and to purchase small quantities frequently. Additionally, drinking perilla seed oil directly from the bottle is not recommended, as it makes portion control difficult and can introduce bacteria into the bottle when in contact with the mouth.