Sage is a woody herb with a strong unique flavour used in various cuisines around the world. It has many health benefits largely because of rosmarinic acid, a powerful organic compound found in it. It’s a member of the mint, oregano, rosemary, basil, and thyme family. Here are the health benefits of sage.
Nutrient-rich
Sage has a range of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, iron, vitamin B6 as well as some calcium and manganese. It is also loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help fortify the body’s defences by neutralizing free radicals linked with the destruction of cells which causes chronic diseases.
Sage has a wide range of antioxidants all of which are linked to impressive health benefits including lowering the risk of cancer as well as improved brain function and memory.
May treat inflammation and prevent cancer
One study found that sage has the ability to treat many topical diseases caused by inflammation. Inflammation is linked to a variety of illnesses including arthritis, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, some types of cancer including colon cancer, and even mental illnesses like depression.
Alternative medicine practitioners have long believed that sage can help prevent cancer. While existing studies have only been done on mice, results indicate that it may be useful in preventing skin cancer as well as bone metastasis from breast cancer. The mice were given daily doses of rosmarinic acid, an active ingredient in the herb so it does not follow that eating sage directly will have the same effect.
Health And Nutrition: Foods That Fight Inflammation
May ease symptoms of menopause
Menopause symptoms including hot flashes, excessive sweating, vaginal dryness, and irritability are often the product of a decrease in oestrogen levels. Sage has traditionally been used to help manage and reduce these symptoms.
Health: The Symptoms Of Early Menopause, Causes And Treatments
May support oral health
Sage has antimicrobial properties that are effective in killing plaque. One study found that sage successfully killed cavity-causing bacteria. In another study, sage stopped mouth fungus from spreading. For this reason, it is commonly used to treat mouth problems like cold sores although more research is needed.
15 Practices For Healthy Teeth And DIY Home Whitening Remedies
May reduce blood sugar levels
Sage leaves have traditionally been used as a remedy against diabetes. Research indicates that it may lower blood sugar levels. It has also been found to improve insulin sensitivity however more human research is needed.
May support memory and brain health
Sage supports memory and brain health in a variety of ways. It has antioxidants that protect your brain. Sage also has a compound that halts the breakdown of a chemical messenger called ACH which has a role in memory, and which decreases when one has Alzheimer’s.
One study found that in healthy adults, sage improved memory in low doses. In higher doses, it elevated mood, increased alertness, calmness, and contentedness. Those who took sage extract performed better on tests that measured memory, problem-solving, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities.
7 Daily Practices That Boost Brain Health
Other uses of sage
Aside from culinary purposes, sage is also used for medicinal purposes, alternative therapies, and in certain rituals. It is believed useful in preventing or treating:
- Cold sores
- Fatigue
- High cholesterol
- Hot flashes
- Memory problems
- Sore throat
- Sunburn
Therapeutically, burning sage is believed to
- Remove bacteria from the air
- Repel insects
- Improve intuition
- Purify specific objects
- Improve mood
- Reduce stress and anxiety
Check out
Health: 7 benefits of rosemary + risks
