This tasty herb contains rosmarinic acid, which functions as an antioxidant. The leaves and stems of sage are also chock full of antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD (superoxide dismutase) and peroxidase.

The combination of the flavonoids, phenolic acids, and oxygen-handling enzymes in sage helps stabilize oxygen-related metabolism and also helps prevents free-radical damage to cells. Sage is reported to improve brain function and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory in chronic conditions like arthritis and bronchial asthma.