Lingonberry
is the most important of all forest berries in Finland. Lingonberries are used in different kinds of jams, jellies, juices,
pasties, pie and porridges. Whipped lingonberry pudding served with cream becomes a Finnish dessert.
Lingonberries are rich
source of fibers, sugar, vitamin A, vitamin C andmagnesium. Lingonberries also consist of large amount of flavonoids and lignans.
Lignans and flavonoids are believed to be anti-cancer. Lingonberries are also rich in benzoic acid, thus, they are often used
as antimicrobial agents in food preparations The plant is generally found in dry northern climates, particularly
Scandinavia and Canada. Lingonberry has shown antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Lingonberries Key Benefits
Lingonberries have a documented health benefits as well. In Europe
they have long history of medicinal uses:
- Lowering Cholesterol Levels
- Curing Gastric Distress
- Curing Rheumatism
Lingonberry is rich in organic acids, VC, VA (as beta carotene), VB (B1,
B2, B3), and the elements potassium, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. Lingonberry also contains phytochemicals that are
thought to counteract urinary-tract infections. This fruit has been used in lowering cholesterol levels, helping with gastric
distress, rheumatism, articular pains and tonsillitis. Lingonberry as has also been used to relieve symptoms
of carbon monoxide poisoning and sunstroke.
Lingonberry, Vaccinium vitis-idaea, is one of the lesser-known fruit
crops being studied by United States Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists who hope to make these fruits more popular
with consumers and gardeners.
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