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Lingonberry fruits are just beginning to appear in the forests, but they are not the only ones worth paying attention to during walks in nature. Why should you be interested in this plant? Both fruits and leaves can be used medicinally, and our ancestors already used them. The most famous is the beneficial effect of lingonberry on the kidneys, but it can be very effective in combating obesity and skin discoloration. The list of its advantages is long, but it should be emphasized that lingonberry retains its delicious taste and will perfectly recommend itself as an addition to the most refined dishes.
Where are lingonberries found? When to collect?
Low lingonberry bushes usually do not exceed 30 cm in height. This is a species characteristic of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in cool and temperate zones. Found in coniferous forests, mainly pine. Evergreen and long-lived dwarf shrubs can also be successfully grown in the garden, but a sufficient sunny place should be provided. It can also develop in partial shade. We find it under the names: red blueberry, or evergreen blueberry.
It is worth taking advantage of its potential since June – it is then that the collection of lingonberry leaves, which have been used in herbal medicine for many years, begins. When does lingonberry ripen? In terms of fruit, let’s be ready for August. It happens that in the south of our country the plant blooms twice, and the collection of fruits can be continued in October.
What does lingonberry taste like?
The leaves used for medicinal infusions do not have a perceptible aroma, and there is also a bitter note in their tart taste. As for the fruits, they have a specific sweet and sour aftertaste, and not everyone will like the raw version. This does not change the fact that they are ideal for making canned food.
Lingonberry – recipes
The combination of fruits and dry foods, especially meat, always brings to mind exquisite dishes. The same goes for blueberries, which can be used to make a delicious addition to game and poultry. It is enough to pour boiling water over the fruits and set aside for an hour. After this time, drain the water and boil in a syrup of water and sugar. lingonberries are good to combine with pears.
Lingonberry jam is also very tasty. The fruit is suitable for making syrup, which can be added to tea or diluted with water only. From ripe lingonberries, a tincture with an original taste will be prepared. Also, sugar and alcohol must be included in the recipe.
Lingonberry – healing properties
Little lingonberry can be our allies in the care of immunity and the normal functioning of the body. While they are not impressive, they contain many nutrients that can help us take care of our health.
Lingonberry on the urinary system
Red berries are sometimes equated with cranberries. Although they are two different plants, they have similar effects in helping to relieve the symptoms of cystitis and kidney stones. Lingonberry leaves contain arbutin, which has diuretic properties and helps to disinfect the urinary tract.
Lingonberry for obesity
While it cannot be considered a miracle weight loss drug that outpaces properly balanced nutrition, exercise, and medical advice, lingonberries have been shown to help in trying to lose unnecessary pounds. Firstly, 100 g of fruit contains only 54 kcal. However, this is not the most important thing in the fight against obesity, which is turning into a scourge of our time.
The polyphenols in these small berries affect energy metabolism by inhibiting the digestion of fats and promoting their excretion unchanged from the body. What does this mean? A much smaller amount of free fatty acids is absorbed into the bloodstream, and thus their storage in the form of adipose tissue is severely limited, and this is where the hateful aspects arise.
Lingonberry in skin care
The aforementioned arbutin, hidden in the leaves of red berries, has the ability to lighten skin discoloration. At the same time, the fruits contain vitamins A and C, which have a positive effect not only on the color, but also on the elasticity of the skin. Their action is confirmed by their frequent presence in cosmetics that eliminate fine wrinkles.
Lingonberry: contraindications
Despite the many benefits, care should be taken when consuming lingonberries. It is true that the leaf infusion is recommended as a natural remedy for diarrhea, but its frequent use in large quantities can lead to vomiting and stomach irritation. As is usually the case, the main thing is moderation.
