I am so delighted to feature a guest post by my friend Kaylie. Her food photography is impeccable and her recipes are mouth-watering. Her Maple Sage Pork Patties are a perfect anti-inflammatory breakfast for those adhering to the autoimmune paleo protocol. Read my commentary below on the numerous immunomodulatory, mood-enhancing, and neuroprotective effects of sage and scroll down for Kaylie's recipe.
Sage, or Salvia officinalis, which is the centerfold of this recipe, contains acids and phenolic compounds as active constituents and exhibits significant antioxidant and anti-tumor activity (Garcia et al., 2016). Sage is even hypothesized to confer protection against disease states where oxidative stress plays an etiological role, such as autoimmune disorders, neurodegenerative disease, and cancer (Garcia et al., 2016).
Immunomodulatory Properties
Sage has significant antimicrobial characteristics, providing symptomatic relief within the first two hours when used as a spray for acute viral pharyngitis (Hubbert et al., 2006). In addition, sage oil has been shown to be effective against multi-drug resistant strains of yeast and bacteria isolated from hospitals (Warne et al., 2009). Sage extract even elicits concentration-dependent activity against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (Geuenich et al., 2008).
Mood-Enhancing Properties
Sage demonstrates cholinesterase inhibiting properties, blocking activity of the enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (Kennedy et al., 2006). This effectively elongates the time frame in which acetylcholine exists in the neuronal synapse in the brain. By enhancing levels of this neurotransmitter, sage has been demonstrated to improve mood and enhance mnemonic performance (Kennedy et al., 2006).
Neuroprotective Effects
Due to its acetylcholinesterase effect, sage has therapeutic efficacy in patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer's disease (Akhondzadeh et al., 2003). In fact, acetylcholine esterase inhibitors are the only pharmaceutical agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent the gradual, progressive decline in cognition that occurs in this neurodegenerative disease (Akhodzadeh et al., 2003). One clinical trial in Tehran, Iran found that sage significantly improved cognitive function compared to placebo and also reduced the agitation that occurs with Alzheimer's disease (Akhondzadeh et al., 2003).
If you have not yet incorporated sage into your culinary repertoire, start out with this delicious recipe from Kaylie below. What is your favorite food-as-medicine way to incorporate sage into your meals?
References
Akhondzadeh, S. et al. (2003). Salvia officinalis extract in the treatment of patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease: a double blind, randomized and placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Pharmacology Therapy, 28(1), 53-59.
Garcia, C.S.C. et al. (2016). Pharmacological perspectives from Brazilian Salvia officinalis (Lamiaceae): antioxidant, and antitumor in mammalian cells. Anais da Academia Brasileira de Ciências, 88(1), 281-292. doi: 10.1590/0001-3765201520150344.
Geuenich, S. et al. (2008). Aqueous extracts from peppermint, sage and lemon balm leaves display potent anti-HIV-1 activity by increasing the virion density. Retrovirology, 5, 27.
Hubbert, M. et al. (2006). Efficacy and tolerability of a spray with Salvia officinalis in the treatment of acute pharyngitis - a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with adaptive design and interim analysis. European Journal of Medical Research, 11(1), 20-26.
Kennedy, D.O et al. (2006). Effects of cholinesterase inhibiting sage (Salvia officinalis) on mood, anxiety and performance on a psychological stressor battery. Neuropsychopharmacology, 31(4), 845-852.
Warnke, P.H. et al. (2009). The battle against multi-resistant strains: Renaissance of antimicrobial essential oils as a promising force to fight hospital-acquired infections. Journal of Craniomaxillofacial Surgery, 37(7), 392-397. doi: 10.1016/j.jcms.2009.03.017.
Hi, my name is Kaylie and I am the creator of NourishedWellness.co. I have always had a passion for creativity and I combined that with my love for cooking and created this outlet where I can share my recipes with all of you!
I feel, and I’m sure many of you can relate, as though I was thrust into the world of autoimmune diseases, left with my head spinning as to how I was going to handle all of this. I was diagnosed with chronic Lyme with co-infections, hypothyroidism, and a biotoxin illness due to a black mold issue in my house.
Fast forward a few years and I have finally started to feel better and get some energy back. I now want to help others going through the same issues. I understand the struggle and how hard it can be. Food is a big part of healing and I feel as though it is my calling to help you. Come join me on Instagram @Nourished_Wellness and see what I’m cooking today!
With the leaves changing and the weather getting cooler I am digging a warmer breakfast in the morning and these Maple Sage Pork Patties are exactly what I’m making. The maple and sage patties bring sweet, salty and savory altogether in a perfect package.
Ingredients:
1 pound of ground pork 2 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, minced 1⁄2 teaspoon salt 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper (omit for AIP) 1 tablespoon of oil for high heat cooking.
Instructions:
1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix thoroughly. Start by creating two inch patties, setting aside until all patties are made.
2. Next, heat a nonstick pan to medium-high heat. Add the oil to the pan.
3. Without overcrowding, start adding the patties to the pan. We want to develop a crust, possibly cooking them in batches if necessary.
4. Cook 4-6 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness.
5. Remove from pan and let any excess fat drain on to a towel.