Eating a lingonberry may not be a regular part of everyone’s fruit intake, but these unique berries are packed with nutrients and can provide a number of health benefits.
What is Lingonberry?
A lingonberry is an edible fruit that grows on a small shrub native to Europe and North America, scientifically known as Vaccinium Vitis-idaea. [1]Commonly known as a cowberry in some parts of the world, these small red berries have a slightly acidic taste, but they can be processed into a number of different jams, jellies, and other sweet products. These berries and their derivative foods are very popular in Europe, particularly in the Baltic and Scandinavian areas, but there is some international cultivation.
Medicinally speaking, these berries have been used for centuries, if not thousands of years. These berries can be made into various natural remedies, and are claimed to have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, diuretic, astringent, and antioxidant properties.
Lingonberry is an antioxidant-rich fruit that helps stave off disease and inflammation. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Nutritional Facts
Lingonberry contains a little over 50 calories in a 100-gram serving, as well as a good amount of dietary fiber, a small amount of protein, and a high level of vitamin C. These berries are also very high in potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Further benefits come from the various phytonutrients, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins found in these berries. [2]
Health Benefits
The many health benefits of lingonberry include their ability to prevent UTI, protect the immune system, boost oral health, and regulate blood pressure, among others.
Immune System
With a decent amount of vitamin C, these berries are able to stimulate the production of white blood cells and protect the body against various infections and pathogens. [3]
Inflammation
The numerous anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds found in these berries can relieve the common symptoms of arthritis, gout, headaches, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), among others. [4]
Anticancer Potential
Despite their size, these tiny berries pack a punch. According to a 2018 study published in the journal In Vivo, [5]lingonberries could act as an anticancer agent against oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Apart from this, the extracts from these berries could also prove to beneficial against cervical and breast cancer. [6]
Oral Health
These berries have particular antibacterial properties that can help to keep your mouth clear of dangerous infections. Things like gum disease and halitosis are caused by unwanted bacteria in the mouth, which lingonberries can eliminate. [7]
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Similar to cranberries, women can drink lingonberry juice to help prevent or treat urinary tract infections (UTI). If you commonly get these infections, adding this juice to your weekly diet is a good idea.
Blood Pressure
With high levels of potassium, these berries can help to lower blood pressure and protect cardiovascular health by lowering your risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack, and stroke. [8]
How to Add to Your Diet?
If you want to benefit from these nutrient-dense berries, there are a number of ways you can add them to your diet.
- Lingonberry jam: It is very popular, particularly on pancakes
- Lingonberry sauce: It is often used to give a sweet edge to savory meat dishes, such as pork
- Lingonberry juice: These berries can be juiced, although the resulting beverage is often quite acidic and tart
- Morning smoothie: Some people also like to blend up a few lingonberries in their morning smoothie
Or you can simply eat them fresh, as long as you don’t mind the mouth-puckering taste!
Where to buy?
- Lingonberry: Frozen or canned lingonberries are easily available in supermarkets and online stores. Fresh lingonberry is available in some parts of the United States. You can also order them online or pick it from the local farmers market that sells lingonberries.
- Lingonberry Jam: This is easily available in various forms at supermarkets such as Target or Walmart or at online stores.
