4 Impressive Health Benefits of Lingonberry

Lingonberry is also known for its impressive health benefits. It contains high levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help lower inflammation, improve digestion, and protect against chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes (3, 4). Additionally, lingonberry has been shown to support a healthy urinary tract and promote healthy aging due to its anti-aging properties (5, 6).

Lingonberries have a long history of use as food and medicine, and thus its consumption is becoming very popular in recent years. They are loaded with vitamins, minerals and phenolics (flavonoids, and catechins amongst others) which account for their beneficial bioactivities in the body (3). The following are some health benefits of lingonberries.

Lingonberries are a rich source of manganese

Lingonberries supply 139% of the RDI (Reference Daily Intake) for manganese per 100g (4). Manganese is vital for the metabolism of carbohydrates and fat, and the absorption of calcium needed for the formation of good bone and teeth tissues. Manganese is also crucial for the development of blood clotting factors and sex hormones (5). Additionally, manganese is a component of superoxide dismutase, a major antioxidant enzyme in the body that catalyzes the breakdown of reactive oxygen species, that cause oxidative stress and cell destruction. Oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of many physiological and pathological diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, ischemia, and neurodegenerative diseases. Vitamin C is also a potent antioxidant that is well demonstrated to prevent oxidative stress (6).

Lingonberries supply quercetin

Quercetin has anti-inflammatory properties and help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. They have an antihistamine effect by helping to stabilize the cells that release histamine. They also have been proven to increase energy levels, fights fatigue, and fight against infections (11, 12).

Flavonoids

Flavonoids like anthocyanins in lingonberry help enhance good vision by absorbing ultraviolet light and blue light that damage the eyes. Consuming these berries raises blood levels of these anthocyanins that are transported to the retina of the eyes (9). Anthocyanins also have an antiangiogenic effect which is crucial in the prevention of several diseases like cancers, cardiovascular disease, and nephropathy (10).

Other health benefits.

These small red berries are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that can help protect against chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes (1, 2). They also have a positive impact on gut health, with some animal studies reporting that lingonberry consumption can improve gut microbiota composition and promote intestinal homeostasis (3, 4). Furthermore, lingonberries are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium, which can help support overall health and well-being (5).

Lingonberry is packed with health benefits that make it a great addition to any diet. These small red berries are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help protect against chronic diseases, lower inflammation, and improve digestion (1, 2). Additionally, lingonberry has been shown to support a healthy urinary tract, promote healthy aging, and improve cognitive function (3, 4, 5). However, as with any food, moderation is key as lingonberries contain tannins that can cause nausea and vomiting if consumed in excess (6).

REFERENCES

1. The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica. (2020). lingonberry. In Encyclopedia Britannica.
2. LINGONBERRY: Overview, uses, side effects, precautions, interactions, dosing and reviews. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2022, from Webmd.com website: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-813/lingonberry
3. Ek, S., Kartimo, H., Mattila, S., & Tolonen, A. (2006). Characterization of phenolic compounds from lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea). Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 54(26), 9834–9842. doi:10.1021/jf0623687
4. Frida – Fødevare ID: 769. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2022, from Fooddata.dk website: https://frida.fooddata.dk/food/769?
5. Manganese. (n.d.). Retrieved April 20, 2022, from Nih.gov website: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Manganese-HealthProfessional/
6. Younus, H. (2018). Therapeutic potentials of superoxide dismutase. International Journal of Health Sciences, 12(3), 88–93.
7. Heyman-Lindén, L., Kotowska, D., Sand, E., Bjursell, M., Plaza, M., Turner, C., … Berger, K. (2016). Lingonberries alter the gut microbiota and prevent low-grade inflammation in high-fat diet fed mice. Food & Nutrition Research, 60, 29993. doi:10.3402/fnr.v60.29993
8. Stojanov, S., Berlec, A., & Štrukelj, B. (2020). The influence of probiotics on the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio in the treatment of obesity and inflammatory bowel disease. Microorganisms, 8(11), 1715. doi:10.3390/microorganisms8111715
9. Khoo, H. E., Azlan, A., Tang, S. T., & Lim, S. M. (2017). Anthocyanidins and anthocyanins: colored pigments as food, pharmaceutical ingredients, and the potential health benefits. Food & Nutrition Research, 61(1), 1361779. doi:10.1080/16546628.2017.1361779
10. Joshua, M., Okere, C., Sylvester, O., Yahaya, M., Precious, O., Dluya, T., … Jahng, W. J. (2017). Disruption of Angiogenesis by Anthocyanin-Rich Extracts of Hibiscus sabdariffa. International Journal of Scientific and Engineering Research, 8(2), 299–307. doi:10.14299/ijser.2017.02.009
11. David, A., Arulmoli, A. V., & Parasuraman, R. (2016). Overviews of biological importance of quercetin: A bioactive flavonoid. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 10(20), 84–89. doi:10.4103/0973-7847.194044
12. Stewart, L. K., Soileau, J. L., Ribnicky, D., Wang, Z. Q., Raskin, I., Poulev, A., … Gettys, T. W. (2008). Quercetin transiently increases energy expenditure but persistently decreases circulating markers of inflammation in C57BL/6J mice fed a high-fat diet. Metabolism: Clinical and Experimental, 57(7 Suppl 1), S39-46. doi:10.1016/j.metabol.2008.03.003