11 Top Health Benefits of Oha Leaves You Need To Know (Pterocarpus mildraedii)
Oha leaf is used by the Southeastern Nigerians to cook soup, popularly known as Oha soup. Pterocarpus mildraedii is the botanical name, and African Rosewood is the English name. Oha leaf is frequently employed as a flavoring agent in soups and other delectables.
Oha leaf is utilized for more than only flavoring meals; it also has certain therapeutic and health advantages. The benefits of oha leaves for nutrition and health are covered in this article.
Also Read 15 Health Benefits Of Soursop Leaves And All You Need To know
One of Nigeria’s most popular soups, known as oha soup, is made from oha (ora) leaves. It can be made with palm kernel oil, chicken, uziza leaves, cocoyam or achi, and other ingredients.
Let’s look at the nutritional value of Oha leaf in order to give you an overview of the rich nutrients in Oha (Ora) leaves.
What is the Nutritional Value Of Oha Leaves
The nutritious value of oha (Pterocarpus mildraedi)i contains per 100 g edible portion: water 85 g, energy 237 kJ (57 kcal), protein 3.8 g, fat 0.8 g, carbohydrate 8.2 g, crude fibre 1.13 g, Ca 72 mg, Mg 28 mg, Fe 4.7 mg and Zn 3.1 mg.
Some other nutrients it carries consist of calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, antioxidants, fibre, Vitamins B and C, and more.
11 Top Health Benefits of Oha Leaves You Need To Know (Pterocarpus mildraedii)
1. Regulates Blood Pressure
Death is frequently impacted by hypertension, or high blood pressure. The horrible thing about it is that there are almost never any indications, thus death always occurs suddenly. You are advised to have checkups periodically because of this.
You can alter your diet if the results of a checkup reveal that you have high blood pressure.
Oha leaf is one of the things you can add because it is rich in potassium and magnesium, two vitamins that assist lower blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels.
2. Strengthens the Immune System
Oha leaves are a great source of essential vitamins and nutrients that can greatly strengthen your immune system. The leaf contains antioxidants and phytochemicals that help the immune system fight off illnesses and infections.
In a 2015 study, it was discovered that rats fed with oha leaf extracts had significantly longer immune systems.
3. Boosts Food Digestion
Oha leaf, which is high in fiber, will make the digestion process smoother overall, thus include it in your cuisine can aid in improved digestion.
Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues are avoided by fiber since it helps food digestion easier.
Additionally, it encourages intestinal health, which prevents colon cancer. If you frequently experience constipation, including oha leaf in your cuisine will be quite beneficial to your digestive system.
4. Boosts Red Blood Cell Production
Iron is abundant in oha leaves, allowing for the formation of hemoglobin, the component responsible for producing pink blood cells.
Adding Oha leaf in your food plan would raise the production of crimson blood cells and assist deal with the deficiency you are struggling from.
5. Beneficial for Diabetic Patients
The fact that oha soup is suitable for diabetics is another fantastic health benefit. Oha leaves control blood sugar levels and have a low glycemic index.
It will stop the blood from storing extra calories that could raise the blood glucose level.
6. Improve Kidney and Liver Health
The liver and kidneys are also reported to benefit greatly from Oha leaves’ positive effects on health.
One learns about examining the impact of partially purified sub-fractions of Pterocarpus mildbraedii extract on rats that have been exposed to carbon tetrachloride toxicity.
The research demonstrated that the sub-fractions repaired the rats’ damaged hepatic architecture. Oha leaves have the undeniable capacity to be helpful in preventing or treating liver disease.
The beneficial effects of oha leaves on the liver have also been confirmed by two further medical trials.
While every other study also documented excellent effects of oha leaf extracts on the rats’ kidneys.
7. Prevents Cancer
Oha leaves contain potent antioxidants as well as a number of healthy phytonutrients, which may help prevent cancer.
According to a study on the phytochemical makeup of oha leaves, flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins were present. These plant compounds can neutralize free radicals and prevent cancer.
8. Helps in Maintaining Healthy Joints
The Oha leaf also has the added health advantage of maintaining healthy joints, which lessens arthritic discomfort.
This is due to the fact that it contains manganese, a mineral that keeps the joints well-lubricated and also aids in the development of cartilage surrounding the joints.
9. Aids in the Treatment of Diarrhea
Zinc, which is abundant in oha leaves and is highly helpful in the treatment of diarrhea. This is because it aids in intestinal mucosa regeneration and protection, which will aid in your proper recovery from diarrhea.
10. Benefits The Bones
Consuming Oha leaves is also good for your bones. This is because it contains calcium and magnesium, two elements essential to the development of robust, healthy bones.
This makes it incredibly beneficial for those with osteoporosis, particularly women.
11. Helps in Fighting Anemia
Oha leaves are a great dietary source of iron and guard against anemia.
The body need iron to help create hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the tissues and cells of the body.
Additionally, pregnant women and women of reproductive age who require high levels of iron during pregnancy and following menstruation are advised to consume leafy vegetables like oha.
Also Read Importance of Rabbit Urine As Organic Fertilizer And Pesticide
Some Frequently Asked Questions
What is OHA leaf called in English?
The Igbo name for the African Rosewood plant is “Ora” or “Oha,” whereas the English name is “African Rosewood.” The plant is medicinal and matures into a large tree with green leaves all year round.
Is OHA Leaf Good For Pregnancy?
Is Oha Soup Good for Weight Loss?
Local vegetable soups with high fiber content, such as bitter leaf soup, Oha soup, and efo riro, are low in calories, hence help with weight loss. Moringa, ginger, garlic, onions, and fragrance leaves are all herbal ingredients that help with weight loss.
What is Oha Leaf Called in Yoruba
Actually, we don’t have idea of its Yoruba but if you do, please let me know in the comments section. Thanks.
11 Top Health Benefits of Oha Leaves
