Health Benefits of Oha (Pterocarpus mildraedii) Leaves.

Oha leaves are the edible leaves of an evergreen tree found in Africa that is known botanically as Pterocarpus mildraedii. They are used for culinary and medicinal purposes. They are also called ora leaves.

Oha leaves contain minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc and manganese. Oha leaves are rich in fiber, amino acids like glutamic acid, lysine and cysteine while they have a  low sodium content. They contain vitamins A, C and some B vitamins.

Oha leaves contain hydrogen cyanide and oxalate but in low levels which are not harmful to humans.

They are popularly used in cooking Ofe Owerri by Igbo people of Nigeria.

Some of the bioactive compounds whish are responsible for the therapeutic actions of oha leaves are alkaloids, tannic acid, polyphenols, oxalates and tannic acid.

Traditionally, the leaves are used to treat malaria and digestive issues. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties.

Oha leaves can be one of the vegetables included in a healthy diet because they are green leafy vegetables which promote wellness and good health. Vegetables also help to maintain pH of the body to be alkaline. Oha leaves are also quite delicious and easy to add to soups and other vegetables in cooking.

Oha leaves are one of those African vegetables which are under-utilized despite their numerous benefits.

If you know more about the usefulness of Pterocarpus mildraedii plant, let us know below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.