Oha leave is a popular cooking ingredient in the Southeastern part of Nigeria. Botanically known as Pterocarpus mildraedii, and referred to as African Rosewood in English. Oha leaf is regularly used in the guidance of soups and other delicacies.
Besides the flavor it provides to foods, oha leaf is additionally used because it has some medicinal or health benefits. This article discusses the dietary and health advantages of oha leaves.
Oha (ora) leaves are used to prepare one of the most delicious soups in Nigeria, acknowledged as oha soup. It can be prepared with cocoyam or achi, palm kernel oil, uziza leaves, and chicken.
Nutritional Value of Oha Leaves (Pterocarpus mildraedii)
As a vegetable, one can already inform that it incorporates a lot of nutrients that are really helpful to the body. Some of the nutrients it carries consist of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins B and C, and plenty more.
- Carbohydrates: Provide the body with energy and support normal metabolic activities.
- Protein: Contributes to growth, tissue repair, and muscle development.
- Dietary Fiber: Improves digestion, prevents constipation, and supports gut health.
- Vitamin A (Beta-carotene): Essential for good vision, immune function, and skin health.
- Vitamin C: Strengthens immunity, promotes wound healing, and enhances iron absorption.
- Calcium: Important for strong bones and teeth, as well as proper nerve and muscle function.
- Magnesium: Supports enzymatic activities, energy production, and cardiovascular health.
- Iron: Plays a vital role in hemoglobin formation and prevention of anemia.
- Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and maintains fluid balance.
10 Health Benefits of Oha Leaves (Pterocarpus mildraedii)
Now, we would be searching at some of the health benefits of the oha leaf, for you to recognize how the use of the leaf in your cooking advantages your body.
1. Boosts Production of Red Blood Cells
Oha leaf is prosperous in iron, which enables the production of hemoglobin, the stuff that produces pink blood cells. People lacking hemoglobin are said to be suffering from Anaemia.
Including oha leaf in your food plan would raise the production of crimson blood cells and assist deal with the deficiency you are struggling from.
2. Promotes Good Digestion
Including oha leaf in your cooking can help facilitate better digestion as it would make the entire digestion technique easier, due to its fibre content.
Fibre makes it less complicated to digest food, thereby preventing constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestion problems.
It additionally promotes a healthy gut, stopping colon cancer. If you are anyone who suffers from constipation regularly, making use of oha leaf in your cooking would do your guts a lot of good.
Read Also: Achi Seed (Brachystegia Eurycoma): All You Need to Know About
3. Good For Your Bones
Eating oha leaf also benefits your bones as well. This is due to the fact it consists of calcium and magnesium, two nutrients that are wanted for the improvement of strong, healthful bones.
This makes it very excellent for those suffering from osteoporosis, in particular women.
4. Regulates Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, regularly affects death. The awful aspect about it is that it hardly ever gives any symptoms, meaning the death comes suddenly. That is why you are recommended to go for a checkup frequently.
If the result of a check-up shows that you have excessive blood pressure, you can make changes to your diet.
One of the matters you can add is oha leaf, due to the fact it is prosperous in potassium and magnesium, two vitamins that help limit blood stress with the aid of relaxing the blood vessels.
5. Helps In Treating Diarrhoea
Oha leaf is prosperous in zinc, which is very useful in the treatment of diarrhea. This is because it helps repair and protects the intestinal mucosa, which would help you get better from diarrhea properly.
6. Keeps Your Joints Healthy
Another health benefit of the oha leaf is that it keeps your joints healthy, which reduces the pains that come with arthritis.
This is because it incorporates manganese, a mineral that maintains the joints nicely lubricated and additionally helps in the formation of cartilage around the joints.
Read Also: Ofor Seed (Soup thickener): All You Need to Know About
7. Good for Diabetes Patients
Another one of the excellent health advantage of oha soup is that it is accurate for diabetics. Oha leaves have a low glycemic index and regulate blood glucose levels.
It will prevent the accumulation of calories in the blood that can amplify the blood glucose level.
8. Boosts the Immune System
Oha leaves contain necessary vitamins and nutrients that can immensely improve your immune system. The leaf incorporates phytochemicals and antioxidants that support the immune system to combat ailments and infections.
A 2015 study found out that extracts of oha leaves considerably extended the immune machine of extracts-treated rats.
9. Boost Liver and Kidney Health
The leaves have additionally been said to have wonderful health consequences on the liver and kidneys.
One learns about investigating the effect of in part purified sub-fractions of Pterocarpus mildbraedii extract on carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats.
The study showed that the sub-fractions restored the damaged hepatic architecture in the rats. What this without a doubt ability is that oha leaves can also be beneficial in stopping or treating liver damage.
Two other medical studies have additionally attested to the positive fitness consequences of oha leaves on the liver.
While every other study also recorded superb outcomes of oha go away extracts on the kidneys of rats.
10. Prevents Cancer
Oha leaves have effective antioxidants and several wholesome phytonutrients, which may additionally be beneficial in stopping cancer.
One study on the phytochemical composition of oha leaves discovered that they contained flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins. These phytochemicals can break down free radicals and fight cancer.
Bottom Line
Oha leaf is a healthful leafy vegetable with numerous medicinal properties. These fitness advantages of oha leave skills that you must use extra when getting ready your soups. Or better still, put together and consume oha soup as regularly as you can.
Scientific Evidence and Case Studies on Oha leaves (Pterocarpus mildraedii)
Several studies have confirmed the nutritional and health benefits of Oha leaves (Pterocarpus mildbraedii):
- Rich in nutrients: A study by Akpanyung, Udoh & Akpan (1995) reported that Oha leaves are high in protein, dietary fiber, calcium, potassium, iron, and other essential minerals, with low levels of harmful antinutrients.
- Helps control blood sugar: Research by Aba & Asagba (2018) showed that Oha leaf extract significantly reduced blood glucose levels in diabetic rats, suggesting potential anti-diabetic properties.
- Protects the liver: Findings from Hamzah et al. (2018) revealed that Oha leaf extracts improved liver function and reduced oxidative damage in rats exposed to toxic chemicals.
- Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects: A study by Fajobi, Emma-Okon & Oyedapo (2021) demonstrated that Oha leaves possess strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and thrombolytic properties in laboratory tests.
- Supports liver recovery: Research by Otuechere et al. (2020) found that Oha leaf extract reduced oxidative stress, inflammation, and liver damage in rats exposed to toxic herbicides.
These studies highlight why Oha leaves are valued both as a nutrient-rich food and as a source of natural compounds with protective health benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Health Benefits of Oha leaves (Pterocarpus mildraedii)
- What are Oha leaves?
Oha leaves, also known as Pterocarpus mildbraedii, are green leafy vegetables native to West Africa, commonly used in preparing traditional soups such as Oha soup in Nigeria. - Are Oha leaves nutritious?
Yes, they are rich in vitamins (A, C, and some B vitamins), minerals (calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium), fiber, and plant proteins. - What are the main health benefits of Oha leaves?
They promote digestion, boost immunity, support heart health, strengthen bones, and improve blood circulation. - Do Oha leaves help with digestion?
Yes, the high fiber content aids digestion, prevents constipation, and supports a healthy gut. - Are Oha leaves good for weight management?
Yes, they are low in calories and high in fiber, making them ideal for weight control. - Can Oha leaves boost immunity?
Yes, their vitamin C and antioxidants help the body fight infections and strengthen the immune system. - Are Oha leaves good for pregnant women?
Yes, they are a source of folate, iron, and calcium, which support fetal development and prevent anemia. - Do Oha leaves help in controlling blood sugar?
Yes, they may help regulate blood sugar due to their fiber content, which slows glucose absorption. - Are Oha leaves beneficial for the heart?
Yes, potassium and magnesium in Oha leaves help regulate blood pressure and support heart health. - Can Oha leaves improve bone health?
Yes, their calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus content strengthens bones and prevents osteoporosis. - Do Oha leaves support healthy skin?
Yes, vitamin A and antioxidants promote glowing skin and help repair damaged tissues. - Can Oha leaves help with anemia?
Yes, the iron content in Oha leaves supports red blood cell formation and prevents iron deficiency anemia. - Are Oha leaves good for children?
Yes, they provide essential nutrients for growth, development, and strong immunity in children. - Do Oha leaves have anti-inflammatory properties?
Yes, they contain plant compounds that may reduce inflammation and joint pain. - Can Oha leaves help with eye health?
Yes, vitamin A in Oha leaves supports vision and prevents eye-related problems. - Are Oha leaves helpful for lactating mothers?
Yes, they are believed to support breast milk production and provide nutrients beneficial for both mother and child. - Do Oha leaves detoxify the body?
Yes, the antioxidants help flush out toxins and protect the liver from damage. - Can Oha leaves boost energy levels?
Yes, their vitamins and minerals support metabolism and help reduce fatigue. - Are Oha leaves safe for everyone?
Yes, they are generally safe when consumed as food, but people with specific allergies should be cautious. - How can Oha leaves be included in the diet?
They are commonly used in soups, stews, vegetable sauces, or combined with other leafy greens for a nutritious meal.
Have you tried Oha leaves in your meals or as a remedy? Share your experience in the comments section below!
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and informational purposes only. The health benefits described are based on scientific research and traditional knowledge. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a healthcare professional before using any herb or natural remedy for medical purposes.