Sage Herb Seeds

Description

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.

SUMMARYSage is rich in nutrients — especially vitamin K — despite being low in calories. One teaspoon (0.7 grams) boasts 10% of your daily vitamin K needs.

2. 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).

SUMMARYSage is loaded with antioxidants that are linked to several health benefits, including improved brain function and lower cancer risk.

3. 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.

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).

SUMMARYSage has antimicrobial properties that may kill microbes that encourage the growth of dental plaque.