Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea)
March 25 2017
Ligonberry is closely related to the cranberry,
blueberry and bilberry and is also commonly known as 'Cowberry'. The Lingonberry
is grows wild in Scandinavian forests and in Northern Canada. For more
information on berries.
Berries commonly found in Finland and Scandinavian countries include sea
buckthorn (Hippophaë rhamnoides), black currant (Ribes nigrum), cranberry (Vaccinium
oxycoccos), lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea), and bilberry (Vaccinium
myrtillus).
Lingonberry contains high antioxidant activity, just like many
berries.
For blood sugar or diabetes control
Vaccinium vitis-idaea, commonly known as lingonberry, has been identified
among species used by the Cree of Eeyou Istchee of northern Quebec to treat
symptoms of diabetes.
Evid Based Complement Alternative Medicine. 2014. Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) Exhibits Antidiabetic Activities in a Mouse Model of Diet-Induced Obesity.
Nutritional content
Lingonberry contains flavonols, anthocyanidins, catechins and their glycosides,
and different caffeoyl and ferulic acid conjugates. Many phenolic compounds have
antimicrobial activity.
The fruits of Vaccinium vitis-idaea are a valuable source of biologically active flavonoid derivatives.
Ligonberry leaf substances
Arbutin and hydroquinone are two of the substances found in ligonberry leaves.