The Surprising Health Benefits of Perilla: A Little-Known Superfood

April 10, 2023

Introduction to Perilla: A Nutritious and Medicinal Superfood

Perilla, also known as shiso or wild sesame, is a herb that is native to Asia and is a member of the mint family. It is a versatile plant that has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. Despite its long history of use, perilla is relatively unknown in the Western world. However, this little-known superfood is packed with a variety of vitamins and minerals that can provide a range of health benefits.

Nutritional Profile

Perilla is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as a good source of calcium, iron, and zinc. It is also a rich source of antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid and lutein. Additionally, perilla is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health.

Health Benefits

Anti-Inflammatory

Perilla is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. This can be especially beneficial for those with conditions such as asthma, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Cardiovascular Health

The omega-3 fatty acids found in perilla can help to lower the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and improving the health of blood vessels. Additionally, the antioxidants in perilla can help to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Allergies

Perilla has been traditionally used to treat allergic reactions, such as hay fever. This is thought to be due to its ability to inhibit the release of histamine, which is a chemical that causes allergic symptoms.

Traditional Medicine

Perilla has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine, perilla is used to treat colds, flu, and respiratory infections. In traditional Japanese medicine, perilla is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

How to Incorporate Perilla into Your Diet

Perilla can be used in a variety of ways, from being added to salads, soups, and stir-fries, to being used as a garnish for sushi and other Japanese dishes. The leaves can also be used to make tea or to season fish and meat dishes.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy perilla is by making perilla oil. To make perilla oil, the seeds are first roasted and then pressed to extract the oil. The resulting oil can be used for cooking, as well as for dressings and marinades.

Perilla is a delicious and nutritious superfood that can provide a range of health benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your heart health, reduce inflammation, or boost your immune system, perilla is definitely worth a try.

Note: As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement or food to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medication.

The Nutritional Profile of Perilla: High in Vitamins and Minerals

Perilla is a nutrient-dense herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. The plant is a member of the mint family, and is known for its unique and delicious flavor. In addition to its taste, perilla is also highly valued for its nutritional properties.

Vitamin Content

Perilla is an excellent source of vitamins A and C. A single serving of perilla can provide up to 20% of your daily value of vitamin A, which is important for maintaining good vision, healthy skin and a strong immune system. Additionally, perilla is also a good source of vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can help to protect against free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Mineral Content

Perilla is also a good source of minerals, including iron and zinc. Iron is an essential mineral that is important for maintaining healthy red blood cells and carrying oxygen throughout the body. Zinc, on the other hand, is important for maintaining a healthy immune system and is needed for the proper function of many enzymes in the body.

Antioxidant Content

Perilla is also rich in antioxidants, including rosmarinic acid and lutein. Rosmarinic acid is a phytochemical that has been found to have anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. Lutein is a carotenoid that is important for maintaining good vision and protecting the eyes from UV damage.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Perilla is also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation and improve the health of blood vessels, which can help to lower the risk of heart disease.

In addition to the above-mentioned nutritional properties, perilla also contains other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.

Perilla is a superfood that is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids that can provide a range of health benefits. Its high nutritional value, paired with its delicious taste, make it a great addition to any diet.

It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement or food to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medication. Adding perilla to your diet can be a simple and delicious way to boost your overall health and wellbeing.

The Surprising Health Benefits of Perilla: From Anti-Inflammatory to Cardiovascular

Perilla is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. The plant is a member of the mint family, and is known for its unique and delicious flavor. However, perilla’s benefits go beyond its taste, as it is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other compounds that can provide a range of health benefits.

Anti-Inflammatory Properties

Perilla is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation is a natural response of the body to injury or infection, however, when chronic, it can contribute to the development of various diseases such as asthma, eczema, and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that perilla can help to reduce inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory compounds, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Cardiovascular Health

Perilla has been found to have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. One of the major benefits of perilla is its high content of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are essential fatty acids that have been shown to reduce inflammation and improve the health of blood vessels, which can help to lower the risk of heart disease. Additionally, the antioxidants found in perilla can help to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.

Allergies

Perilla has been traditionally used to treat allergic reactions, such as hay fever. This is thought to be due to its ability to inhibit the release of histamine, which is a chemical that causes allergic symptoms. Studies have found that perilla can help to reduce the symptoms of allergies by inhibiting the production of histamine and other inflammatory compounds.

Immune System

Perilla has been found to have a positive impact on the immune system. The herb has been traditionally used to treat colds, flu, and respiratory infections. Studies have found that perilla can help to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections.

Perilla is a versatile herb that has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. The herb is packed with a variety of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other compounds that can provide a range of health benefits. From anti-inflammatory properties to cardiovascular health, perilla is a superfood that is worth adding to your diet.

It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement or food to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medication. Adding perilla to your diet can be a simple and delicious way to boost your overall health and wellbeing.

Perilla as a Traditional Medicine: Folk Uses and Modern Research

Perilla is a herb that has been used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine. The plant is a member of the mint family and is known for its unique and delicious flavor. However, perilla’s benefits go beyond its taste, as it has been traditionally used to treat a variety of ailments. In this article, we will explore the traditional uses of perilla and the modern research that supports its medicinal properties.

Traditional Uses

Perilla has been traditionally used in various forms of traditional medicine in Asia. In traditional Chinese medicine, perilla is used to treat colds, flu, and respiratory infections. The leaves of the plant are often used to make tea, which is believed to help to relieve symptoms of the common cold and flu.

In traditional Japanese medicine, perilla is used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The leaves of the plant are often applied topically to the affected area, and are believed to help to reduce inflammation and itching.

Modern Research

Modern research has begun to uncover the medicinal properties of perilla. Studies have found that perilla has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-allergic properties.

Perilla has been found to have a positive impact on cardiovascular health. Studies have found that perilla can help to lower the risk of heart disease by reducing inflammation and improving the health of blood vessels.

Perilla has also been found to have a positive impact on the immune system. Studies have found that perilla can help to boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting off infections.

Perilla has also been found to have a positive impact on skin health. Studies have found that perilla can help to reduce inflammation and itching associated with eczema and psoriasis.

Perilla is a versatile herb that has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. The herb has a long history of traditional use and modern research is beginning to uncover the medicinal properties of perilla. From anti-inflammatory properties to cardiovascular health, perilla is a superfood that is worth adding to your diet.

It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement or food to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medication. Adding perilla to your diet can be a simple and delicious way to boost your overall health and wellbeing.

How to Incorporate Perilla into Your Diet: Recipes and Serving Suggestions

Perilla is a versatile herb that has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for centuries. The plant is a member of the mint family and is known for its unique and delicious flavor. In this article, we will explore some ways to incorporate perilla into your diet and some recipes and serving suggestions to help you get started.

Using Perilla in Cooking

Perilla can be used in a variety of ways in cooking. The leaves can be added to salads, soups, and stir-fries, or used as a garnish for sushi and other Japanese dishes. The leaves can also be used to make tea or to season fish and meat dishes.

One of the most popular ways to enjoy perilla is by making perilla oil. To make perilla oil, the seeds are first roasted and then pressed to extract the oil. The resulting oil can be used for cooking, as well as for dressings and marinades.

Recipes

Here are a few recipes to get you started on incorporating perilla into your diet:

Perilla Pesto Pasta

  • 2 cups of perilla leaves
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup of olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  1. In a food processor or blender, combine the perilla leaves, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Toss with cooked pasta and serve.

Perilla Rice

  • 1 cup of cooked rice
  • 1/4 cup of perilla leaves, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds
  1. In a small pan, heat the soy sauce and sesame oil over medium heat.
  2. Add the perilla leaves and sesame seeds and cook for 1-2 minutes.
  3. Toss with cooked rice and serve.

Perilla Tea

  • 1 cup of water
  • 2-3 perilla leaves
  1. Bring the water to a boil.
  2. Add the perilla leaves to the water.
  3. Steep for 5-10 minutes.
  4. Strain and enjoy.

Perilla is a delicious and nutritious superfood that can provide a range of health benefits. Whether you’re looking to improve your heart health, reduce inflammation, or boost your immune system, perilla is definitely worth a try. The herb is very versatile and can be incorporated into your diet in a variety of ways, from being added to salads, soups, and stir-fries, to being used as a garnish for sushi and other Japanese dishes or even making tea.

Note: As always, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplement or food to your diet, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking any medication.

Sources & references used in this article: