Lingonberry

The lingonberry, tiny and red, comes from a low-growing Scandinavian shrub. It's related to the cranberry, bilberry, and blueberry. Researchers have only recently discovered its potential benefits, which Native Americans have known of for many years.

Lingonberry uses

Medical

Compared to other type of berries, lingonberry seems to have higher concentrations of plant polyphenols. In 2009, a study published in Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity suggested that longterm consumption of diets rich in these nutrients may protect against cancer, heart disease, diabetes, the development of brittle bones, and cognitive illnesses.^[1]

Lingonberry has also been studied for use in treating or preventing:

• Inflammation

• Bacterial and other infections

• Cough

• Cancer

• Viruses

• As an expectorant

• Male contraceptive

• Diabetes

• Gum disease

• Wounds

• Viral encephalitis

Dietary

Lingonberry can also be consumed as a nutritious snack, as an ingredient in recipes and beverages. The berries are available frozen and in powdered form.

Other dietary uses:

• Lin

Lingonberry jam

• Jam

• Jelly

• Sauces and relishes (can replace cranberries)

• Waffles and pancakes

• Muffins

• As a side dish with a variety of meats

Drinks:

• Wine

• Liqueur

• Smoothies

• Juice

• Flavoring, for ginger and other drinks

Medicinal uses

Directors from Inner Source Health, a naturopathic treatment center in New York, suggest that patients with diabetes, blood pressure, and inflammatory abnormalities increase flavonoid intake by adding one to two tablespoons of frozen lingonberries to unsweetened almond milk.^[4]

Lingonberry berries

Lingonberry seems to work:

• As an antioxidant

• For inflammation

• As an antibacterial

• For heart disease and heart attack

• For cancer

Medication and herbal interactions

• Antibiotics

• Anti-inflammatory medication

• Anti-cancer medication

• Cough medicine (including herbs taken for cough)

• Anti-viral medication, herbs and supplements

Safety concerns and side effects

• Do not consume soft or discolored lingonberries.

• Couples attempting to conceive -- especially males -- should avoid lingonberry.

• Lingonberry leaf extract may compromise men's reproductive systems.

• Do not consume lingonberry if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Where to buy

Although we don't sell lingonberry, you can compare brands, quality, and price here at PricePlow.