5 Health benefits that make antioxidant-rich lingonberries a real Scandinavian treasure
03/04/2020 / By Noah Harper / Comments
5 Health benefits that make antioxidant-rich lingonberries a real Scandinavian treasure

Berries are among the healthiest foods on Earth because of how rich they are in antioxidants and in other health-promoting nutrients. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, vitamins C and K1, manganese, copper and folate. Whether you’re consuming berries as a snack, as an ingredient in recipes or as berry juice, you can be sure that they’ll help your body fight inflammation and regulate your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Berries are also good for your skin and your heart, and they can even help prevent cancer.

In northern Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, a unique and powerful berry known as a lingonberry is known to provide all of these health benefits.

What’s so special about lingonberries?

Lingonberries (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) are brightly colored berries of Scandinavian origin. They have been harvested and traded by farmers for centuries since the early 1700s. Lingonberries are usually made into syrups, jams, or sauces, and they are also eaten with a variety of desserts or meats, such as lamb, beef and fish.

Lingonberries are low in calories and contain beneficial polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Unsaturated fats improve blood cholesterol levels, ease inflammation and stabilize heart rhythms. Lingonberries also provide vitamins A, E and C and minerals like calcium and iron. They are also great sources of antioxidants, most notably anthocyanins and quercetin. These antioxidants not only protect the body against oxidative stress, but they also exhibit anti-inflammatory properties.

The 5 health benefits of lingonberry

Lingonberries, also known by other names like cowberry, bearberry, foxberry, or Alaskan lowbush cranberry, are superfruits packed with health benefits. Here are five impressive benefits associated with them.

Lingonberries have anti-inflammatory properties.

Quercetin is a flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that lingonberries contain about 74 to 146 mg/kg quercetin. A study reported that daily consumption of berries like lingonberries raises the body’s levels of quercetin in healthy and middle-aged men by 32 to 51 percent, suggesting that these superfruits are good sources of this phytonutrient. Quercetin is also known for its ability to inhibit inflammatory signaling molecules, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-8, and inflammation-inducing enzymes, such as cyclooxigenase and lipoxygenase.

Lingonberries help reduce the risk of cancer

Lingonberries also contain procyanidins, beneficial flavonoids with anti-cancer properties. Procyanidins are effective against several types of cancer, including leukemia, cervical and colon cancer. Procyanidins prevent tumor growth and trigger programmed cell death. Procyanidins also modulate kinases, transcription factors and their regulators as part of their anti-cancer activities.

Lingonberries can decrease urinary tract infections

Lingonberries belong to the same family as cranberries, which are known for their ability to stop urinary tract infections (UTI). In a study published in BMJ, researchers found that daily consumption of lingonberry-cranberry juice reduced the risk of UTI recurrence by 20 percent. At the end of the intervention period, regular drinking of lingonberry-cranberry juice reduced the recurrence of UTI by about half. This suggests that the berries work against the coliform bacteria that causes UTI.

Lingonberries promote oral health

One study showed that lingonberries are potent anti-microbials. The active compounds in these berries display strong anti-microbial activity against two pathogens that are known to cause gum inflammation. Another study reported that the anthocyanins, proanthocyanins, and flavonol glycosides in lingonberries can stop the coaggregation of bacteria. Coaggregation is when different species of bacteria clump together and attach to a surface. This process contributes to the development of dental plaques and tooth decay.

Lingonberries enhance immunity

Eating lingonberries also enhances the immune system. Lingonberries contain decent amounts of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the body’s natural defenses. Vitamin C boosts the body’s white blood cell count, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight against infections. Studies also show that vitamin C helps wounds heal faster because of its involvement in the production of collagen.

As an antioxidant, vitamin C helps repair injured tissue and reduces damage caused by inflammation and oxidative stress. It also reduces blood chloresterol levels, enhances iron absorption, lowers the risk of cataracts and protects the kidneys, eyes and nerves from diabetes-induced deterioration. Vitamin C can even widen the blood vessels, which helps protect against hypertension.

Lingonberries can be found in specialty food stores and ethnic supermarkets, especially those that sell European products. They are sold fresh or as jams, or frozen and canned. Lingonberries contain high levels of benzoic acid, a natural preservative, so they can be stored for long periods in the refrigerator.

Sources include:

Healthline.com

FoodsForBetterHealth.com

HSPH.Harvard.edu

Nature.com

MDPI.com

ToxicolRes.org

OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com 1

OnlineLibrary.Wiley.com 2

MedicalNewsToday.com

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