Not Just for Diabetics: 5 Amazing Medical Benefits of Sage

For hundreds of years, sage has been considered a healing plant that is good for everything. Its medicinal name is derived from the Latin word for 'salvation,' indicating its significant role in treating various health issues. It is commonly consumed as a tea infusion and is effective for disinfecting throat inflammations, relieving stress and anxiety, and easing menopause symptoms.

Here are five health benefits of sage:

1. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

Due to this fact, natural therapists often recommend increasing daily sage intake for people suffering from inflammatory issues such as arthritis. Like rosemary, sage contains rosmarinic acid, which is easily absorbed and effectively treats inflammations. High concentrations of antioxidant enzymes are found in the plant's leaves and stem, and regular consumption prevents chronic diseases and cancer.

2. Enhances memory and cognitive functions

Various studies have shown that sage has a phenomenal ability to enhance cognitive processes in the brain and heal neurological disorders like Alzheimer's. Research conducted at 'Newcastle' and 'Northumbria' universities compared sage to a placebo and proved that participants who took sage showed better memory skills in a word test than those who took the placebo.

3. Antibacterial properties

Due to its strong antibacterial properties, sage can significantly relieve mouth ulcers and other oral wounds as well as gum inflammations. Prepare an infusion from a handful of sage leaves and gargle it in your mouth for about a minute or two to greatly help against these oral pains.

4. Catalyst for liver health

Research data from 2005, published in the journal 'Ethnopharmacology,' shows that sage's high antioxidants are highly effective in maintaining normal liver functions. Additionally, sage has been found effective in thinning glutathione (an important liver antioxidant). However, a study published in 'Food and Chemical Toxicology' in 2007 reported that sage increases the production of liver toxins, such as carbon tetrachloride, which may endanger liver patients. Therefore, liver patients wishing to include sage in their diet should consult their doctor for detailed safety instructions.

5. Sage and diabetes

One of sage's standout advantages is its rapid ability to reduce blood sugars and bad cholesterol levels. Studies conducted on diabetic animals showed that when given sage extract, it completely blocked the liver's release of sugar, effectively reducing their blood sugar levels. An attempt to compare sage's properties to the medication 'Metformin' used for type 2 diabetes showed its power to reduce and even completely prevent disease progression. However, it is mandatory to consult your doctor before deciding to include sage as part of your diet, especially if you are diabetic.

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Love sage? Have good recipes with the spice? Tell us about it in the comments.