Perilla oil is an unrefined oil produced by cold-pressing seeds of the perilla plant (Perilla frutescens), a member of the mint family native to East Asia. This gentle extraction method preserves the flavor, aroma, and nutrients of the oil, particularly its heat-sensitive omega-3 fatty acids.

Perilla oil is exceptionally high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), containing roughly 54-64% by weight – making it one of the richest plant sources of omega-3s available. ALA is a form of omega-3 fat that cannot be created in our bodies and serves as a precursor to EPA and DHA. This essential nutrient must come from our diet, and perilla oil provides an impressive 9 grams of ALA per tablespoon.

The typical North American diet is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids and excessive in omega-6 fatty acids, with ratios often reaching 15:1 instead of the recommended 4:1. Omega-3 is important for brain functioning, reducing inflammation, and supporting cardiovascular health, and is hard to come by from plant sources. Too much omega-6 can promote inflammatory processes, raise your blood pressure and could lead to blood clots that could cause heart attacks and strokes.

Perilla oil’s omega-6:omega-3 ratio is 1:6, the highest of any oil, making it particularly valuable for correcting fatty acid imbalances. Additionally, perilla oil contains rosmarinic acid, a potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Its niche market availability is why this lands at #8 for our remix ranking.