Spotlight on Sage: 4 Key Reasons for Its Popularity
Sage, a fragrant herb commonly used in cooking, offers a multitude of health benefits that extend beyond its culinary applications. This humble herb boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cognitive, gastrointestinal, and menopausal symptom relief properties. It also plays a significant role in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
One of the key advantages of sage is its antioxidant properties. Containing flavonoids, polyphenols, and volatile oils, sage helps neutralise harmful free radicals, reducing oxidative stress and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Sage's anti-inflammatory effects are another noteworthy benefit. Components like ursolic acid inhibit inflammatory pathways, such as COX-2 and 5-LOX, thereby reducing pain and inflammation associated with conditions like arthritis.
In addition to these properties, sage is believed to enhance cognitive function. Some research suggests that sage extract may improve memory, attention, and mood, although more studies are needed for confirmation.
For those experiencing digestive discomfort, sage is traditionally used to alleviate indigestion, bloating, and stomach pain due to its soothing carminative effects.
Sage may also offer relief for women going through menopause. It is thought to help reduce hot flashes and night sweats, though further research is required to confirm these effects.
Regarding cholesterol levels, sage impacts lipid profiles positively. Bioactive compounds such as ursolic acid and oleanolic acid found in sage inhibit the liver's production of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides while boosting HDL ("good") cholesterol. Studies have shown that sage tea consumption lowers total and LDL cholesterol while increasing HDL cholesterol after just two weeks of use. These effects contribute to improved heart health and potentially reduced cardiovascular disease risk.
Sage can be consumed as tea, added to meals, or taken as supplements. However, it is advisable to consult healthcare professionals before use, as there may be potential drug interactions and contraindications, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Intrigued by the health benefits of sage? Consider growing it in your own herb garden kit. For more information about sage, be sure to check out our related articles, including "Everything You Need to Know About Sage" and "All About Chives".
If you're looking for a delicious recipe featuring sage, try our Sage & Butternut Squash Four Cheese Lasagna. For a simpler dish, roast a medley of vegetables seasoned with sage for a flavourful and nutritious meal.
Recipe: Roasted Sage Vegetables
Ingredients: - 2 cups quartered baby potatoes - 2 cups large broccoli florets - 1 large carrot cut into sticks - 1 cup trimmed & quartered Brussels sprouts - 3 Tbsp melted butter - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 6 large fresh sage leaves, finely chopped - 1/2 tsp salt - Black pepper - 1/2 cup pecan halves - Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine the vegetables in a large bowl and massage with the seasoning.
- Spread the vegetables on the baking sheet and bake for 25 minutes.
- Toss the pecans with remaining butter, garlic, and sage, sprinkled with salt and pepper.
- After 25 minutes of baking, sprinkle the seasoned pecans onto the baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving.
Enjoy the health benefits of sage and explore new flavours in your cooking with this versatile herb.
The antioxidant properties of sage, found in flavonoids, polyphenols, and volatile oils, help neutralize harmful free radicals and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
Incorporating sage into your home-and-garden, such as growing it in an herb garden kit, allows you to enjoy its health benefits and aroma daily.
Roasting a medley of vegetables seasoned with sage not only provides a flavourful meal but also benefits from the herb's gastrointestinal properties, potentially alleviating indigestion, bloating, and stomach pain.
