Sage, known as Salvia Officinalis native to the Mediterranean area, has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes for centuries and its properties made it a popular remedy throughout history and across different cultures (Middle-east, Asia, and Europe). During the middle-ages, Emperor Charlemagne recommended its cultivation and had it grown in the Imperial Gardens. This venerable herb has many benefits, thanks to its high concentration of powerful antioxidants, but how can it help you? Read on and find out with our Top 5 Health Benefits of Sage!
1. Protection from Alzheimer’s
Sage has been traditionally used for memory improvement and enhanced “brain” function, delaying onset of age-related cognitive decline. In addition, sage has been shown to delay early cognitive impairment in patients with mild dementia, associated with Alzheimer’s disease, such as learning, memory and information processing abilities. Quality products like Sibelius’ Sage for Seniors are well worth checking out.
2. Mental performance
Sage can also improve mental performance in general including memory, alertness, and attention. It has been demonstrated by clinical trials which reiterates what has already been known historically, an herbalist stated in 1597 that sage “quickens the nerves and memory.” Students should take some during exam prep and just before exams!
3. Treats inflammation
Sage is beneficial for bodily inflammation, especially for the respiratory, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems but also for arthritis, thanks to the powerful antioxidants; carnosic, rosmarinic and ursolic acid found in sage.
4. Helps keep cholesterol in check
Sage, taken regularly over several months has been shown to increase good cholesterol levels (HDL) and reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) in people with high cholesterol.
5. Helpful for menopausal symptoms
Some studies have shown that taking sage during the menopause can have a positive effect on “hot flashes” and “night sweats” (especially in combination with alfalfa extract) making it a very useful aid during this transitional phase.
How should you take it? Here are some ideas; in high-quality food supplements, tea-like infusions to drink, in cooking; added to tomato sauces, omelets, sprinkled on top of pizza or bruschetta. It’s very suited for Mediterranean cooking, but why not get a little creative in the kitchen? Just be sure to add it towards the end of your cooking time, to preserve its delicate flavour. So, did you become sage (wise) by taking sage? Let us know what you experienced below, join in the conversation on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Instagram. (Check out the following Top 5’s to help you get and Keep YOUR Fit ON!)
