Oha leaf is a popular cooking ingredient in Nigeria's southeastern
region. Pterocarpus mildraedii is the botanical name, and African Rosewood is
the English name. Oha leaf is frequently used in the preparation of soups and
other delectable dishes. Aside from the flavor, it adds to foods, oha leaf is
also used for its medicinal or health benefits. The nutritional and health
benefits of oha leaves are discussed in this article.
Oha (ora) leaves are used to make oha soup, one of Nigeria's most
delicious soups. Cocoyam or achi, palm kernel oil, uziza leaves, and chicken
can all be used to make it.
Leaves' Nutritional Value
As a vegetable, it is obvious that it contains a variety of nutrients
that are beneficial to the body. It contains calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc,
antioxidants, fiber, vitamins B and C, and many other nutrients. All of the
nutrients mentioned above are extremely beneficial to the body in a variety of
Now, we'll look at some of the health benefits of oha leaf, so you can
see how using the leaf in your cooking can benefit your body.
1. Enhances the production of red blood cells
Oha leaf is
high in iron, which aids in the production of hemoglobin, the substance
responsible for the formation of red blood cells. Anemia is defined as a lack
of hemoglobin in a person. Incorporating oha leaf into your diet will increase
the production of red blood cells and aid in the treatment of your deficiency.
2. Inspires Healthy Digestion
its high fiber content, including oha leaf in your cooking, can help facilitate
better digestion. Fibre aids in the digestion of food, preventing constipation,
irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues. It also promotes gut
health, which helps to prevent colon cancer. If you suffer from constipation on
a regular basis, using oha leaf in your cooking will do your guts a world of
3. Helpful to Your Bones
Eating oha the leaf is also good for your bones. This is due to the presence of calcium and
magnesium, two nutrients required for the development of strong, healthy bones.
This makes it ideal for those suffering from osteoporosis, particularly women.
4. Controls Blood Pressure
pressure, also known as hypertension, is a leading cause of death. The
disadvantage is that it rarely causes symptoms, implying that death occurs
suddenly. That is why it is recommended that you have regular checkups. If a
check-up reveals that you have high blood pressure, you can make dietary
changes. One of the ingredients you can include is oha leaf, which is high in potassium
and magnesium, two nutrients that help lower blood pressure by relaxing blood
5. Helps in the treatment of
contains zinc, which is beneficial in the treatment of diarrhea. This is
because it aids in the repair and protection of the intestinal mucosa, allowing
you to recover properly from diarrhea.
6. Sustains the health of your joints
Another The health benefit of oha leaf is that it keeps your joints healthy, which helps to
alleviate the pains associated with arthritis. This is due to the presence of
manganese, a mineral that keeps the joints lubricated and aids in the formation
of cartilage around the joints.
7. Prove helpful for Diabetics
Another The amazing health benefit of oha soup is that it is beneficial to diabetics. Oha
leaves have a low glycemic index and help to keep blood glucose levels in
check. It will prevent calorie accumulation in the blood, which can raise blood
8. Immune System Booster
are high in essential vitamins and nutrients that can significantly boost your
immune system. The leaf contains phytochemicals and antioxidants that boost the
immune system's ability to fight disease and infection. A 2015 study discovered
that extracts of oha leaves significantly improved the immune system of rats
given the extracts.
9. Enhance the
Effectiveness of Your Liver and Kidneys
are also said to have beneficial effects on the liver and kidneys. One study
looked at the effect of partially purified Pterocarpus mildbraedii extract
subfractions on carbon tetrachloride-intoxicated rats. The study found that the
sub-fractions repaired the rats' damaged hepatic architecture. Simply put, oha
leaves may be beneficial in preventing or treating liver damage. Two additional
medical studies have attested to the beneficial effects of oha leaves on the
10. Helps to prevent cancer
contain potent antioxidants and a plethora of beneficial phytonutrients, which
may aid in cancer prevention. According to one study on the phytochemicals
composition of oha leaves, it contained flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and
tannins. These phytochemicals have the ability to destroy free radicals and
Oha leaf is
a nutritious leafy vegetable with a variety of medicinal properties. Because of
the health benefits of oha leaves, you should use them more in your soups. Better
yet, make and eat oha soup as often as you can.
Another the study found that oha leaf extracts had a positive effect on the kidneys of
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