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| Oha Leave- image source: finelib.com |
Oha Soup, also known as Ora Soup, is a traditional Nigerian
delicacy soup primarily enjoyed by the Igbo people. This rich, flavorful soup
is made from the tender leaves of the African Pterocarpus soyauxii tree,
locally known as Oha. Unlike many other leafy greens, Oha leaves do not taste bitter, making them a unique and delightful ingredient in Nigerian
cuisine.
Regarding traditional Nigerian cuisine, Oha Soup
stands out as a beloved and nutritious dish. But what makes this soup so
special? In this article, we’ll delve into the nutritional content, value, and benefits of Oha Soup. Whether you’re a foodie, a health enthusiast,
or curious about African cuisine, you’ll find something intriguing here.
Let’s dive in!
Nutritional Content of Oha Soup
What makes Oha Soup nutritionally valuable? It’s a powerhouse
of vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats. Every spoonful is packed with
nutrients that are beneficial for your overall health. Let’s break down the
main ingredients to see what they bring.
Oha leaves contain minerals like magnesium, calcium,
potassium, copper, iron, zinc, and manganese. It is a source of vitamins A, B, and
C of amino acids like lysine and glutamic acid cysteine while maintaining its low sodium status.
Here are 17 Health Benefits of Oha leaves
The leaf has been known for some notable
health benefits including:
1. It Used to Treat Diarrhea
The high fiber content in Oha leaves and cocoyam aids
digestion and helps prevent constipation, ensuring a healthy digestive tract.
The vegetable is rich in fiber which helps with constipation,
unlike the fiber in some vegetables like pumpkin leaves which have strong and
difficult-to-digest strands, the fiber in oha leaves is soft and easy to
digest. It helps improve the overall digestive function and heal the gut.
3. Helps in the treatment of Anemia
It contains iron. This mineral is important to our
overall wellness. It plays an important role in red blood cell formation and creates hemoglobin. This benefit is even supported by vitamin C
which helps in iron absorption.
joints and arthritis
Oha leaves are a source of the uncommon mineral
Manganese. Manganese plays a vital role in cartilage
formation and lubricating fluid in the joint. The presence of
this mineral in the body will help prevent and alate joint diseases like
arthritis.
5. Good for Heart
Health
The Omega-3 fatty acids from fish and the healthy fats from
palm oil work together to support cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of
heart disease.
The Presence of potassium in Oha leaves helps maintain
the normal contraction of the heart. It will help the heart contract
well and blood effectively pumped to all parts of the body.
6. Reduce Muscle Cramps
Magnesium in the leaves is a muscle relaxant. This
helps reduce muscle cramps
7. Improve Brain
Function
Glutamic acid in oha
leaves is an important non-essential amino acid which helps maintain the
normal function of the brain as a neurotransmitter
8. Helps build muscle
mass
Oha leaves can help build muscle mass with the presence of
cysteine amino acids content, Cysteine helps the body build protein which is
used for the development of muscle mass.
Pressure
This is a low-sodium vegetable that is beneficial for
hypertensive persons and individuals with high blood pressure. Additionally,
the potassium in Oha leaves can also help control blood pressure through
its mechanism of regulating muscle contraction.
10. Improves Eye Health
It is a source of vitamin A which helps maintain better sight
and a strong immune system
11. Reduces Inflammations
Oha leaves also have a positive effect on various inflammatory
diseases such as ostheoarthritis, tonsilitis, etc, consuming ora leaves either
as soup or in other forms will bring relief. The leaves contain a bioactive
compound polyphenol which is responsible for the inflammation process.
12. Helps Alleviate
malaria symptoms
Eating soups cooked with this vegetable during malaria
attacks helps in restore key organs that help with a strong immune system
such as the stomach, the heart, the liver, the iron supply, etc. When all vital
organs are working well, malaria cannot have a place.
13. Promotes Healthy Skin
The antioxidants in Oha Soup, particularly from vitamins A
and E, promote healthy skin by fighting off free radicals that cause aging and
skin damage.
14. Help Protect the
Nervous System
The presence of the vitamin B group helps with the nervous
system. Helps protect nerves from damage.
15. Boost the energy, especially for athletes
The presence of lysine in the leaves helps boost energy, especially for athletic performance. The substance is needed by the body
for sustained energy production.
16. Maintain an alkaline
balance of the entire body
The green color in the leaves gives an alkaline effect to
the entire body which helps in balancing the body’s PH
17. Helps with Collagen
Formation
Collagen is required to maintain healthy skin. Oha
leaves contain the mineral copper in good amounts to help with collagen
formation. This gives us healthy glowing skin.
Possible Side Effects
Excessive consumption of Oha leaves may cause mild digestive
issues or allergic reactions in some individuals. Always consume in moderation
and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Oha soup provides a balanced mix of proteins,
vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats, making it beneficial for overall health.
Regular consumption of Oha soup can contribute to improved immune function,
better digestion, stronger bones, and enhanced heart health.
Source: Grainfieldfoods
