DavidWolfe.comLingonberries are small but powerful. They’re packed with antioxidants and phytonutrients that help boost the immune system. Lingonberries are a popular ingredient in wines, liqueurs, syrups, jams and jellies. They taste similar to cranberries, and they’re loaded with nutrients. Lingonberry benefits include the ability to reduce inflammation, prevent urinary tract infections, kill of harmful bacteria and even help prevent cancer cell growth.
Lingonberry Benefits
1. Provides the Body with Healing Antioxidants
Lingonberry benefits the body as a healthy source of antioxidants. The powerful antioxidants in lingonberries can help prevent bacterial infections, including staph. Thanks to the phenolic, antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, lingonberry benefits the body as one of the best antioxidant foods around. (1)
2. Helps Reduce Inflammation
Research has shown that lingonberry benefits include the ability to reduce inflammation in the body. According to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants who consumed lingonberries showed a significantly larger amount of quercetin, compared to those who did not consume the berries. Quercetin contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties. The study suggests the lingonberry fights inflammation to help reduce inflammatory illnesses, such as arthritis. Research has shown that lingonberry, along with black currant and bilberry, can help increase quercetin in the body and naturally lower inflammation levels. (2)
3. Helps Prevent Cancer Cell Growth
Lingonberry benefits include the ability to prevent the growth of cancerous cells. According to a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, extract from 10 different fruits and berries, including lingonberries, helped decrease the proliferation of colon cancer cells and breast cancer cells. As part of a powerful group of cancer-fighting foods, lingonberry benefits may include a reduced risk of cancer. (3)
4. Reduces the Occurrence of Urinary Tract Infections
Much like cranberries, lingonberry benefits include the ability to relieve painful and irritating symptoms of urinary tract infections. Studies have shown that consuming cranberry-lingonberry juice on a regular basis can help reduce the recurrence of urinary tract infections in women. In one study, women with urinary tract infections caused by Escherichia coli were asked to consume 50 milliliters of cranberry-lingonberry juice every day for a period of six months. The study showed a 20% reduction in the risk of UTI’s in the group of women who drank the juice, compared to a control group. The powerful antioxidants in lingonberries help fight off the harmful bacteria to both prevent and treat the infection. (4)
5. Helps Maintain Oral Health
Lingonberry benefits also extend to oral health. According to the International Journal of Dentistry, consuming antimicrobial foods, such as lingonberry, can help reduce the risk of bacteria forming in the mouth and causing health problems. Bacteria that accumulates inside the mouth can lead to health problems like gum disease. Studies show that lingonberry benefits oral health by inhibiting bacterial growth in the mouth, to help eliminate health problems caused by bacterial accumulation. (5)