I've heard that consuming perilla oil helps with dieting. Why exactly is it beneficial?
It is not about simply consuming oil, but about using 'healthy fats' to flip your body's metabolic switch. Ingesting unsaturated fatty acids improves insulin resistance, which in turn increases fat-burning efficiency. When the body perceives an energy deficit, it tends to cling to fat stores; providing high-quality fats signals the brain that energy is sufficient, allowing it to release and burn stored fat.
Many people try extreme fasting, but this often leads to dizziness and fatigue—an inefficient approach to weight loss. Scientifically, the omega-3 fatty acids in perilla oil reduce inflammation and enhance insulin sensitivity, creating a metabolic environment where body fat can be burned more effectively by stabilizing blood glucose levels.
From the perspective of Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM), this is interpreted through the concepts of 'Dam-eum' (phlegm-fluid retention) and 'Eo-hyeol' (blood stasis). Dam-eum refers to metabolic waste, and Eo-hyeol refers to stagnant blood. When circulation is blocked, the body feels heavy and edema persists. High-quality fats act as a lubricant, smoothing the flow of blood and jin-yeok (body fluids) to resolve these blockages.
Furthermore, those with 'Bi-heo' (Spleen Deficiency)—a weakened digestive capacity—often experience low energy and intense cravings for sweets. Consuming an appropriate amount of healthy fats replenishes energy and helps calm these appetite triggers. However, since excess of anything can be harmful, the optimal dosage varies depending on an individual's constitution and current health status. If you would like to find a 'smart fat intake method' tailored specifically to your body, please visit our clinic for a personalized consultation.
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