Characteristics
- Common names for vegetable oils: Perilla, Nanking perilla, Zisu (China), Shiso (Japan)
- Growing plant: Perilla
- Botanical name: Perilla frutescens
- Botanical Family: Lamiaceae
- Origin (country where the vegetable oil is grown): China, Japan, Korea
- Part of plant: Seed
- Oxidative potential: Very sensitive
Organoleptic characteristics
The botanical and organoleptic characteristics may vary according to the production conditions (country, sun, organic production, etc.).
- Colour: clear or yellow
- Odour: quite strong (depending on origin)
- Texture: fluid and "dry" feeling
- Taste: characteristic, close to the taste of walnut
Fatty acid composition
The composition of vegetable oils is strongly influenced by the conditions under which they are produced.
In order to guarantee its quality, it is advisable to choose an extra virgin olive oil obtained by cold pressing, preferably of organic origin.
Monounsaturated AG:
- 12% to 15% oleic acid (omega 9)
Polyunsaturated TA:
- 12% to 21% linoleic acid (omega 6)
- 60% to 65% alpha-linolenic acid (omega 3)
Saturated fatty acids
- 4.5% to 8% palmitic acid
Other active ingredients:
- Vitamin A, Vitamin E
- Rosmarinic acid (present in essential oil)
Nutritional aspect
Perilla oil is characterised by its high omega-3 content (slightly higher than linseed oil).
It is of even greater nutritional interest as it also contains omega 6 and 9.
It has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and inflammatory diseases.
It promotes intellectual work, memorisation and the development of the brain, especially in children.
It should be noted that "full" perilla oil contains an average of 5% essential perilla oil (from the plant), which makes it more effective in the case of allergic reactions, especially respiratory (such as asthma).
Advantages
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cardio-protective
- Promotes brain development in children
- Strengthens the nervous system
- Prevents neurological disorders
- Prevention of infections
- Prevents allergic reactions
- Regulates blood pressure
- Regulates metabolism
Indications
- Mental activity (stimulation)
- Aphta
- Arteriosclerosis (in prevention, in combination with adapted diet and medical follow-up)
- Allergic asthma
- Atherosclerosis (in prevention, in combination with adapted diet and medical follow-up)
- Brain: child's brain capacity, memory
- Cholesterol, triglycerides (in prevention, in combination with an adapted diet and medical follow-up)
- Child growth
- Depression (prevention)
- Gingivitis
- Infections (prevention)
- Neurological diseases and disorders (in combination with medical monitoring)
- Palpitations and tachycardia (prophylaxis)
- Allergic reactions (preventive)
- Allergic rhinitis
- Excess weight (in combination with an appropriate diet)
- Nervous system (in augmentation)
- Blood pressure (in prevention, in combination with medical monitoring)
- Allergic respiratory diseases (asthma)
- Cardiovascular disease (preventive, with medical monitoring)
- Cognitive disorders and cognitive degeneration (in prevention, with adapted lifestyle)
- Neurological disorders (prevention, lifestyle modification)
Health tips
Perilla oil has recently been classified as a novel food by the European regulation. It can therefore be taken internally in liquid form (in food, as a seasoning) or in capsule form (as a food supplement).
Due to its high omega-3 content, perilla oil offers a vegetable alternative to fish oils, which are considered potentially toxic due to "heavy metals".
When taking perilla oil to alleviate allergic respiratory disorders, it is important to take the whole perilla oil, including the essential oil, which enhances these effects. Perilla seeds can also be taken for the same purpose.
Precautionary measures
If perilla oil is taken orally, it is advisable to inform your doctor if you are taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet agents, as there may be an interaction.
Some cases of skin reactions have been observed (acute eczema).
Perilla oil should be stored away from heat and light.
Once opened, it should be kept in the refrigerator.
Perilla oil should not be used for cooking.