Sage is an herb with several very promising health benefits.

It’s high in antioxidants and may help support oral health, aid brain function and lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Botanically known as Salvia officinalis, it is native to the Mediterranean region. Sage’s botanical name comes from the Latin word “salvere”, meaning “to be saved”.

Once highly prized for its medicinal value, in ancient Rome, sage was considered to have substantial healing properties and the Chinese used sage to treat colds, joint pain, typhoid fever, and kidney and liver issues.

10 Science Informed Reasons to Include Sage in Your Dog’s Diet:

1. High in Several Nutrients – Sage is rich in nutrients, especially vitamin K’ despite being low in calories. (2)
2. Loaded With Antioxidants – Sage contains over 160 distinct polyphenols, which are plant-based chemical compounds that act as antioxidants and are linked to impressive health benefits, such as a lower risk of cancer and improved brain function and memory. (1, 3)
3. May Support Oral Health – Sage has antimicrobial properties that may kill microbes that encourage the growth of dental plaque. (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
4. May Reduce Blood Sugar Levels – sage may lower blood sugar levels by increasing insulin sensitivity. (15, 16, 17, 18)
5. May Support Memory and Brain Health – studies show that sage may improve memory, brain function and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. (19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
6. May Lower ‘Bad’ LDL Cholesterol – intake of sage and sage products have been shown to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and raise “good” HDL cholesterol levels. (6, 28, 29, 30)
7. May Protect Against Certain Cancers – test-tube and animal research suggest that sage may fight certain cancer cells. (31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
8. May Alleviate Diarrhoea – fresh sage is a traditional remedy for diarrhoea. Test-tube and animal studies found that it contains compounds that may alleviate diarrhoea by relaxing your gut. (41, 42)
9. May Support Bone Health – Vitamin K, which sage offers in large amounts, plays a role in bone health. A deficiency in this vitamin is linked to bone thinning and fractures. (2, 43)
10. May Combat Skin Ageing – Several test-tube studies suggest that sage compounds may help fight signs of aging, such as wrinkles. (44, 45)