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| Sage |
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Review
Summary |
One of the most common methods of getting more nutrients into our bodies is via food preparations, especially recipes calling for herb and plant extracts. Sage is perhaps one of the most widely used and readily available kitchen herbs on the market today, and it also happens to be included in many supplements as well. Some say that Sage may support cognitive health, while others throughout history have linked the herb to other forms of support. We will break down the extract’s properties below and look at some of its possible applications.
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| Herb at a Glance |
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Sage is identified as an evergreen shrub variety and is believed to have its origins in the Mediterranean region, though it is certainly available in other parts of the world as well. Said to have a peppery flavor when used as a kitchen herb, Sage is typically added to meats, stuffing, sauces and other recipes; it is also commonly added in Italian preparations.
As a medicinal herb or supplement, Sage’s most potent component is said to be its essential oil. It may be a good source of such nutrients as Thujone and Borneol, while the leaf may provide nutrients like Oleic Acid, Niacin, Flavonoid Glycosides and Caffeic Acid, among others. Its Latin name, salvia, apparently means to heal, which may help explain all of the purported health benefits linked to the herb throughout history.
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| Herb in Focus |
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Reports indicate that Sage has been associated with such health applications as antibiotic and antifungal properties, as well as some use as a tonic, astringent and hypoglycemic. There are also indications that Sage may have been studied in some clinical settings for a possible role in fighting cognitive disorders of mild to serious severity. However, all indications are that further testing must be conducted in order to draw any meaningful conclusions.
Some have asserted that this herbal extract may inhibit an enzyme known as acetylcholinesterase, which may break down Acetylcholine in the brain. This nutrient is believed to be deficient in those with certain cognitive disorders. However, Sage does not appear to be as promising at this point as Alpha GPC, a nutrient that has been shown to boost Choline production. Choline is responsible for manufacturing new cells, a process that becomes more important as we get older.
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| Lifestyle |
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Individuals who would like to get more Sage into their diets may incorporate this herb into their recipes, as there are many different food preparations that call for the ingredient. However, it does not appear to be ideal as a supplement for better cognitive health, as studies on its potential benefits appear to be ongoing at the time of this review. When taken as a supplement, Sage may not cause any serious side effects, according to some reports, though others state that those taking certain prescription drugs may want to limit their intake of Sage.
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| Positives |
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• Sage is used in food preparations and as a supplement
• The ingredient is relatively affordable in most markets and shops
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| Negatives |
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• The purported healing effects of Sage may require further testing
• This ingredient may not improve neurotransmitter storage and release
• Sage may not improve the production of a vital nutrient, Choline
• The most well regarded supplements do not seem to include this herb
• Even as a supplement, Sage may not be effective for long term support
• Some people simply do not like the smell or taste of this potent herb
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| Final Thoughts |
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Sage does not appear to be featured in that many memory enhancement products, but it can be found in a complementary role in some formulas. It can also be added to our recipes for a convenient way to get more of the herb into our bodies. But despite the many questions surrounding its viability as a memory enhancer, enthusiasts continue to tout it as a potent cognitive aid. It should be noted that over the course of history, various claims dealing with the herb’s purported benefits have come and gone. Some testimonials suggest that Sage may be worth adding to our diets for its general nutrient profile, but there seems to be a lack of compelling success stories dealing with memory support.
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| Our
Editors Choice:
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Week
of: Tue Dec 15th, 2009 |
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Neurostin® -
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