Over the last few years, there has been a great change in how we think and interact with the world around us. Today, we try to opt for more natural choices, arguing that nature has everything we want. Once we are able to learn how to value life, we feel encouraged to limit the number of chemical substances we put in our bodies. From ancient times up until today, herbs have been popular for their numerous uses of medicine and the culinary field. Nearly all of them play an essential part in our diets. Sage, an herb widely used for centuries, is an ingredient in many traditional autumnal dinners. It is used in various Middle Eastern and American recipes, making a good addition to savory dishes because of its peppery taste. However, it actually has a lot of essential health benefits would really surprise you, including its ability to aid in weight loss. Read on to learn more!
What Is Sage?
Sage is a perennial woody herb which has an implausible effect on human health. Scientifically recognized as Salvia officinalis, sage is a close cousin of rosemary. In fact, they are commonly referred to as “sister herbs”. Many of sage’s health benefits are derived from rosmarinic acid, a powerful acid found in the rosemary organic compound. Sage and rosemary have their differences, of course: the purple/blue flowers, the woody stems, and the evergreen shrub originate in the Mediterranean region.
The traditional use of sage as a medicinal drug is well-documented, going back many years. It was primarily used to ward off evil, treat snakebites and boost women’s fertility. However, modern studies have determined that the effect of sage inside the human body can be substantial.
There are different varieties of sage, each of which is used for various medicinal and culinary purposes. They include the following:
- Clary Sage: Clary sage has aromatic leaves which are good for perfumes and throat gargling potions.
- Three-Lobed Sage: This variety has lobed leaves and a large perennial shrub. Some use it to make sage tea, which is native to Mediterranean countries.
- Pineapple Sage: Pineapple sage’s fresh leaves can add extra flavor to desserts and drinks.
- Azure Sage: This variety is originally from Mexico. Azure sage is a large plant with blue flowers and is used as an herbal panacea.
Nutrition Facts of Sage Herb
Here is what’s inside sage:
| Principle | Amount | % Daily Value |
| Energy | 315 Kcal | 15.75% |
| Total Fat | 12.75 grams | 42.5% |
| Protein | 10.63 grams | 19% |
| Cholesterol | 0 milligrams | 0% |
| Carbohydrates | 60.73 grams | 47% |
| Dietary Fiber | 40.3 grams | 106% |
| Vitamins | ||
| Vitamin E | 7.48 milligrams | 50% |
| Niacin | 5.720 milligrams | 35.75% |
| Thiamin | 0.754 milligrams | 68.5% |
| Riboflavin | 0.336 milligrams | 26% |
| Vitamin A | 5900 milligrams | 196% |
| Vitamin C | 32.4 milligrams | 54% |
| Folates | 274 µg | 63% |
| Pyridoxine | 2.690 milligrams | 206% |
| Vitamin K | 1714.5 µg | 1429% |
| Electrolytes | ||
| Potassium | 1070 milligrams | 23% |
| Sodium | 11 milligrams | <1% |
| Minerals | ||
| Iron | 28.12 milligrams | 351% |
| Copper | 0.757 milligrams | 84% |
| Calcium | 1652 milligrams | 165% |
| Manganese | 3.133 milligrams | 136% |
| Magnesium | 428 milligrams | 107% |
| Zinc | 4.70 milligrams | 43% |
| Phyto-nutrients | ||
| Lutein-zeaxanthin | 1895 µg | — |
| Carotene-ß | 3485 µg | — |
| Carotene-α | 0 µg | — |
| Crypto-xanthin-ß | 109 µg | — |
Sage for Weight Loss: Does it Really Help?
There is actually no scientific proof that connects the consumption of sage with weight loss. Even though sage has been used for centuries to treat various conditions, there is actually no proof weight loss is one of them. However, there are some scientific studies which attempt to make this connection, albeit lightly.
Some studies suggest that sage tea may help with weight loss because it has antioxidant, diuretic and stimulant properties. Stimulants help boost the metabolic rate, resulting in a higher rate of burning calories. Meanwhile, the antioxidant and diuretic properties of the herb help flush out toxins and waste buildup in the body, enabling you to see quick results.
Uses of Sage
There are a few techniques below which explain how to gain the health benefits of sage, particularly its leaves.
Essential oil: Sage leaves are able to purify into an important oil containing thujone, borneol, and cineole. There are numerous sage essential oils available in the market, and they can be used for aromatherapy, which is good for relaxation.
Drinks or meals: Sage leaves, together with thyme, parsley and rosemary, are good for cooking with. There are many ways to consume sage. Some add it to different dishes to enhance the flavor while some use it in homemade teas. Others even make a water by boiling the leaves for 5 minutes.
Topical application: Today, many skin care products on the market contain sage leaves, including serums, soaps and body lotions. Applying a skincare product that contains sage is one of the easiest ways to keep our skin healthy.
