Oha soup is indigenous to Nigeria’s south-eastern region. It’s a classic soup that’s similar to bitter leaf soup but made with Ora leaves. Ora (Oha) Soup is unique in that the tender ora leaves used in this soup dish are seasonal, as opposed to their bitter leaf counterpart, which is available all year.
History of Oha Soup
Oha soup is an Eastern Nigerian delicacy frequently cooked by the Igbo people from an evergreen tree with the formal name Pterocarpus mildraedii. The oha leaf is the key element in the soup; other ingredients are uziza,achi (soup thickener), meat, crayfish, palm oil, and salt.
Health Benefits of Oha Soup
Increases the production of red blood cells
Oha leaf contains iron, which aids in the formation of haemoglobin, the substance that makes red blood cells. Anaemia is defined as a deficiency of haemoglobin in the blood. Including oha leaf in your diet will increase the generation of red blood cells and help you treat your deficit.
It Improves Digestion
Because of its high fibre content, including oha leaf in your cuisine can assist facilitate healthier digestion. Fibre aids in the digestion of food, reducing constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and other digestive issues. It also promotes intestinal health, which helps to avoid colon cancer. If you suffer from constipation on a daily basis, including oha leaf in your cuisine would be quite beneficial to your digestive system.
Bone Health Benefits
Eating oha leaf is also beneficial to your bones. This is because calcium and magnesium are present, both of which are necessary for the development of strong, healthy bones. This makes it appropriate for people with osteoporosis, particularly women.
Blood Pressure Control
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the leading causes of death. The drawback is that it rarely displays symptoms, which results in a quick death. This is why it’s advised to have regular checks. If a checkup indicates that you have high blood pressure, you can change your diet. Oha leaf contains large amounts of magnesium and potassium, both of which relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure.
Aids in the treatment of diarrhoea
Zinc is abundant in oha leaves and is highly helpful in the treatment of diarrhoea. This is because it aids in intestinal mucosa regeneration and protection, which will help in your proper recovery from diarrhoea.
Joint Health is Maintained
The oha leaf also supports joint health, which lowers the discomfort brought on by arthritis. This is because it contains manganese, a mineral that aids in the formation of cartilage surrounding the joints and maintains their proper lubrication.
Beneficial for Diabetic Patients
Oha soup is beneficial to diabetics, which is only one of its many remarkable health advantages. Oha leaves lower blood sugar levels and has a low glycemic index. It will stop the blood from storing extra calories that could raise the blood glucose level.
strengthens the immune system
Oha leaves are a rich source of nutrients and vitamins that can greatly strengthen your immune system. The leaf includes antioxidants and phytochemicals that boost the immune system’s ability to fend off illnesses and infections. According to a 2015 study, rats given oha leaf extracts had much stronger immune systems.
Improve Kidney and Liver Health
The liver and kidneys are supposed to benefit from the leaves’ beneficial benefits on health. In one investigation, rats that had been given carbon tetrachloride poisoning were given an extract from Pterocarpus mildbraedii that had been partially purified. The research demonstrated that the sub-fractions repaired the rats’ damaged hepatic architecture. This merely indicates that liver damage may be prevented or treated with oha leaves. The beneficial health effects of oha leaves on the liver have been confirmed by two additional medical studies.
Helps You Avoid Cancer
Oha leaves contain various beneficial phytonutrients and potent antioxidants that may help prevent cancer. Oha leaves were discovered to include flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and tannins, according to one investigation of the phytochemical composition of oha leaves. These plant compounds have anti-cancer and free radical scavenging properties.
Recipe
8 little cocoyam corms
3 kitchen spoons Black Palm Oil
Various Beef: Best Cut and Shaki (cow tripe)
Assorted Fish: Fish stocks and dried fish
Crayfish, salt, and chilli pepper(to taste)
2 cubes of stock
1 teaspoon Igbo Ogiri
So eating oha occasionally would be good for you. It is a soup that has been around for a very long time. The Igbos are very fond of this soup. It is very easy to prepare. The health benefits are enormous and not limited to the list above.
Have you tasted oha soup before, and what was it like? Please lets us know your thoughts in the comment section