When thinking of sage, burning it as an incense comes to mind as a cleansing property and for food preparation. It is an aromatic plant with grayish-green leaves native to the Mediterranean and Europe. Here Ryan Raman, MS, RD, HealthLine.com, reflects on uses and health benefits of sage:

“Sage is a staple herb in various cuisines around the world.

Its other names include common sage, garden sage and Salvia officinalis. It belongs to the mint family, alongside other herbs like oregano, rosemary, basil and thyme (1Trusted Source).

Sage has a strong aroma and earthy flavor, which is why it’s typically used in small amounts. Even so, it’s packed with a variety of important nutrients and compounds.

Sage is also used as a natural cleaning agent, pesticide and ritual object in spiritual sage burning or smudging.

This green herb is available fresh, dried or in oil form — and has numerous health benefits.

Here are 12 surprising health benefits of sage.

High in Several Nutrients

Sage packs a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals.

One teaspoon (0.7 grams) of ground sage contains (2Trusted Source):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0.1 grams
• Carbs: 0.4 grams
• Fat: 0.1 grams
• Vitamin K: 10% of the reference daily intake (RDI)
• Iron: 1.1% of the RDI
• Vitamin B6: 1.1% of the RDI
• Calcium: 1% of the RDI
• Manganese: 1% of the RDI

As you can see, a small amount of sage packs 10% of your daily vitamin K needs (2Trusted Source).

Sage also contains small amounts of magnesium, zinc, copper and vitamins A, C and E.

What’s more, this aromatic spice houses caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid and rutin — all of which play a role in its beneficial health effects (3Trusted Source).

Since it’s consumed in tiny amounts, sage provides only minuscule amounts of carbs, calories, protein and fiber.

Loaded With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are molecules that help fortify your body’s defenses, neutralizing potentially harmful free radicals that are linked to chronic diseases (4Trusted Source).

Sage contains over 160 distinct polyphenols, which are plant-based chemical compounds that act as antioxidants in your body (5Trusted Source).

Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, ellagic acid and rutin — all found in sage — are linked to impressive health benefits, such as a lower risk of cancer and improved brain function and memory (1Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source).

One study found that drinking 1 cup (240 ml) of sage tea twice daily significantly increased antioxidant defenses. It also lowered both total cholesterol and “bad” LDL cholesterol, as well as raised “good” HDL cholesterol (6Trusted Source).

May Support Oral Health

Sage has antimicrobial effects, which can neutralize microbes that promote dental plaque.

In one study, a sage-based mouthwash was shown to effectively kill the Streptococcus mutans bacteria, which is notorious for causing dental cavities (7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).

In a test-tube study, a sage-based essential oil was shown to kill and halt the spread of Candida albicans, a fungus that may also cause cavities (9Trusted Source, 10Trusted Source).

One review noted that sage may treat throat infections, dental abscesses, infected gums and mouth ulcers. However, more human research is needed to make comprehensive recommendations (11).

May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels

The leaves of common sage have been used traditionally as a remedy against diabetes.

Human and animal research indicates that it may help lower blood sugar levels.

In one study, sage extract reduced blood glucose levels in rats with type 1 diabetes by activating a specific receptor. When this receptor is activated, it can help clear excess free fatty acids in the blood, which in turn improves insulin sensitivity (15Trusted Source, 16Trusted Source).

Another study in mice with type 2 diabetes found that sage tea acts like metformin — a drug prescribed to manage blood sugar in people with the same disease (17Trusted Source).

In humans, sage leaf extract has been shown to lower blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity with a similar effect as rosiglitazone, another anti-diabetes drug (18Trusted Source).

However, there is still not enough evidence to recommend sage as a diabetes treatment. More human research is needed.”

If you would like to learn other solutions to help control your health … click here?

Read More … Article Source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sage#section5