Lingonberry: health benefits and harms

Those who are interested in this berry certainly need to know how it looks and how it differs from others. The fact is that it can be easily confused, for example, with wolfberries or cranberries. Residents of Siberia or tundra regions know almost everything about it: where it grows, what it is, etc.

Where does lingonberry grow and what does it look like

Lingonberry is a plant that is a low bush, reaching a height of about 20-25 cm. It is noteworthy that the age of the plant is determined not by the stems, like most, but by the root. The root system of lingonberry is very developed. So, at one bush it can occupy an area of ​​about 10 sq.m. The average lifespan of the stems themselves, as a rule, is 3-5 years, and over time they are replaced by new ones.

Lingonberry grows in colonies, in it one plant can live more than 2 centuries. If the bush "lives" on its own, then life expectancy is limited to only 10 years.

The leaves of the plant are dark green in color, hard to the touch, perfectly tolerate frosts. It blooms in early summer with small white flowers, in shape resembling a bell, which is practically odorless. Fruits of bright red color, regular round shape, the diameter of which can reach 6-8 mm, the surface is shiny.

Lingonberry bushes can be found in dry coniferous forests of mixed type, in peat bogs, sometimes on bolts located in a wooded area in the northern part of the Russian Federation.

When they collect

Lingonberry fruits ripen at the very beginning of autumn. Initially, they are green, then they turn white, and mature ones acquire a beautiful red color. You can collect lingonberries before the first frost. After this, the berry loses its taste, becomes soft and unsuitable for assembly. At the same time, some collectors claim that lingonberries can still be collected after the first snow, however, this is more an individual case than a rule.

By the way, lingonberries can be collected still immature, and then put next to the tomatoes. The gas released by the latter during storage will make the lingonberry berries redden and ripen.

Despite the fact that the fruits become ripe already in September, they are recommended to be harvested in October.

What is the difference between lingonberries and cranberries

Cranberries and lingonberries are very similar in appearance and composition, but there is a difference, if you constantly collect these berries, over time you can quickly distinguish one from another:

1. The berries of the plants vary in taste, namely: the cranberries are sour, the lingonberries are sweet and sour. The fruits of the first are dark red, with a little pressure they immediately secrete juice. Lingonberry berries are bright red in color and more dense. They are also great in size. Lingonberries are slightly smaller than cranberries, their fruits are rarely more than 6 mm in diameter, while the berries of the second plant are at least 1 cm.
2. Cranberries and lingonberries also differ in leaf shape. In the first they are ovoid in shape, in the second they are larger and elliptical.
3. Among other things, plants grow in completely different places. So, cranberries prefer exceptional moist places, it can be found in swamps, along the banks of a river or lake. Lingonberry, on the contrary, prefers dry places on a small hill.

What is more useful: cranberries or lingonberries

As mentioned above, lingonberries also differ in composition from cranberries, in the first place - it is 2 times more caloric. It contains an order of magnitude more than all vitamins, micro and macro elements. Based on this, we can draw a fairly simple conclusion that lingonberries are much more useful. But, despite such a gap, both berries are considered a storehouse of vitamins and elements.

How to distinguish lingonberry from bearberry

When collecting lingonberries, it is important to know how it differs from bearberry. The fact is that the plant is very similar in size to the bush, and in berries, and in leaves. The second berries are not eaten and can cause severe poisoning, but its leaves are healing and are used to cure many ailments.

So, the plants are very similar and even sometimes grow together. However, distinguishing them is quite simple.

1. First, you need to carefully look at the leaves themselves, in lingonberries they are oval, elliptical in shape, and in bearberry they resemble the ears of a bear.
2. Secondly, bearberry branches almost spread along the ground and, if you put two bushes side by side, the difference is immediately evident.
3. And lastly, in lingonberry berries there are a lot of small seeds, bearberry has few of them and they are large. In addition, bearberry fruits taste bad.

Important! If you eat a few berries of bearberry, then nothing bad will happen. But if you eat a lot, you can get serious poisoning, which is accompanied by an upset gastrointestinal tract, vomiting, dizziness, chills, etc.

Composition and calorie content

Lingonberry is a wild berry that has been harvested since time immemorial, its fruits are known for their healing properties, however, like leaves. For the first time they tried to cultivate lingonberries in the 18th century. on the orders of Elizabeth Petrovna, the queen who wanted to be grown near the capital of Russia. However, the first successful attempts were made only in the last century.

Lingonberry fruits in their composition contain a truly unique complex of vitamins and minerals, as well as benzoic acid.

The energy value of the fruit is only about 40 kcal per 100 grams, so you can not worry about the figure:

• Protein - less than 1 gr.
• Fat - less than 1 gram.
• Carbohydrates - about 10 gr.

Vitamins

Vitamin A was discovered first by scientists, hence its name. It is also called retinol. He participates in almost all processes in the body:

• Essential for metabolism and the synthesis of some important proteins.
• Prevents exposure to free radicals.
• Increases the protective functions of the body.
• Participates in the formation of bone tissue.
• It is necessary for the formation and growth of cells.
• Provides normal retinal function.

Vitamin C is perhaps the most important and necessary vitamin. The human body is not able to synthesize it, and therefore it is necessary to use products that contain it. It has a positive effect on the nervous system, strengthens blood vessels and regulates blood circulation. It removes toxins from the body, restores tissue cells and promotes the absorption of iron. Increases protective functions and stimulates the immune system.

Lingonberry also contains vitamin E, PP and K.

Micro and macro elements

1. Iron. An important element that is necessary for the formation of hemoglobin, which means that it takes a direct part in hematopoiesis. With a lack of iron, lethargy, dizziness, muscle pain occur, and with a greater shortage, acute anemia and anemia can develop.
2. Calcium. First of all, it is a building material for bone tissue and tooth growth. Also, calcium is responsible for blood coagulation, muscle contraction and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.
3. Potassium. This element is the third in quantity and value, it is an electrolyte and serves to conduct impulses of the nervous system. It also regulates the water balance. Potassium is an energy element, it is necessary for the work of muscles and heart. With its deficiency, acute muscle pain, cramping and even paralysis can occur.
4. Magnesium. It is necessary for the absorption of B vitamins and calcium, it takes part in the production of energy, blood coagulation, reduces the reaction of the nervous system to external stimuli, and is also necessary for the formation and growth of new cells.
5. Chromium. This element activates enzymes that are involved in the synthesis of carbohydrates, thereby regulating blood sugar levels. With sufficient amounts, the risk of obesity and the occurrence of a disease such as diabetes is reduced. It reduces the amount of bad cholesterol, and its reserves help the body withstand stressful situations with minimal consequences.

Lingonberry contains benzoic acid, which is used to preserve food. It is able to neutralize germs and bacteria, as well as keep the berry fresh for a long period of time.

Useful properties of lingonberries

For women

Any woman should love this berry for its high content of vitamins A and E, which is also called "anti-aging vitamins." So, vitamin A promotes rapid regeneration and growth of dermal cells, which makes the skin beautiful and young. It also produce collagen, the amount of which is significantly reduced in the body after 30 years. It is also important to note that vitamin A is a natural antioxidant that eliminates the effect of free radicals on the body, thereby significantly slowing down the aging of skin cells, hair and nails.

Vitamin E for the female body is difficult to overestimate, since it is involved in many processes. The importance is so great that it is even released as a separate drug in the form of various additives.

In addition to the fact that vitamin E actively protects all cells from aging, it helps to strengthen the hair along its entire length; with a sufficient amount of it, the tips will never begin to split. In a similar way, it affects nails.

Vitamin E regulates the production of hormones in the body, and women who are more than 45 years old relieve menopause. In addition, it improves vision, hearing and memory.

For men

Lingonberry also has a specific effect on the male body. Few people know, but it is part of most prostatitis medicines. The berry is a diuretic, while it disinfects the channels of the genitourinary system. With regular fresh use, male strength will continue for many years.

Do not forget about potassium, which is necessary to maintain the cardiovascular system. A sufficient amount of it will prevent the occurrence of many diseases, including reducing the risk of heart attack.

Calcium is necessary for an active lifestyle and great physical exertion, and vitamin E strengthens blood vessels, improves memory and vision.

During pregnancy

For centuries, only cranberries have been used to treat diseases during pregnancy, it is believed that it is hypoallergenic. But before you begin the course of treatment or the use of recipes of traditional medicine, you need to consult a doctor.

Using lingonberries during pregnancy, the expectant mother saturates her body with all the necessary vitamins and minerals. The berry strengthens the skeleton of the unborn child and helps to reduce swelling of the legs of the pregnant woman, as well as the amount of excess fluid in the body. The berry prevents the occurrence of anemia in both the expectant mother and the child.

Lingonberry is an antipyretic that is safe for the fetus. A complex of vitamins and minerals in the berry is able to neutralize the negative impact on the body of all kinds of viruses and bacteria.

When breastfeeding

In the case of lingonberries, traditional medicine is completely on the side of the folk.Due to the presence of many vitamins and minerals, the berry is very useful for breastfeeding, because everything that affects the mother's body is directly reflected in the baby.

Despite the fact that lingonberry is a fairly safe product, it is not recommended to introduce it in the first month after birth, because the baby’s stomach is just starting to get used to new products.

Lingonberry provides excellent protection for mother and child, strengthens tissues, contributes to the normal development and growth of the body.

For kids

Lingonberries can be introduced into the diet of a child from a fairly early age, in the form of fruit drinks. It should not be given to children only if there is kidney disease and poor blood coagulation, in which case it will do more harm than good.

In addition to vitamins and minerals, the berry contains volatile products that successfully cope with viruses on a par with antibiotics. Therefore, lingonberries will be an excellent tool for various diseases in children.

Useful properties for children:

1. Due to the special properties of the berry, it regulates the metabolism and brings it back to normal.
2. Lingonberry is an excellent diuretic, which, unlike drugs, has no side effects.
3. The berry has the ability to remove heavy metals and toxins from the child's body.

Of course, children rarely have high blood pressure, but intracranial is a fairly common phenomenon, and there is no better remedy for it than lingonberries for a child.

When losing weight

For those who follow a diet and want to get rid of extra pounds, lingonberries will become an indispensable product. It contains the minimum amount of calories and sugar. Therefore, it is included in most diets.

In addition, the leaves contain tannin, which regulates the metabolism, namely the absorption of carbohydrates, thereby just a colossal amount of fat in the body is burned.

Note! If there are problems with the liver, then they are not recommended to use lingonberries for weight loss.

The benefits of dried lingonberries

Dried lingonberries are as healthy as fresh berries. Its uniqueness lies in the fact that not only berries, but also leaves are useful. Therefore, during the harvest, not only the fruits are harvested, but also the leaves of the bushes.

Dried berries are harvested, both whole and chopped. In the second case, a delicious pastille is obtained, which can be stored for a long time. At the same time, her recipe is very simple. From dried berries tea, decoctions and compotes are prepared.

Benefit:

1. Maintains a proper level of the cardiovascular system.
2. Removes toxins and toxins from the body.
3. Dried lingonberry decoction is an excellent and safe diuretic.
4. The tannins in the berry help the body get rid of toxins and heavy metals.
5. Improves digestion and gastrointestinal motility.
6. Drinks made from dried lingonberries quench your thirst.

The healing properties of lingonberry leaves

Along with picking berries, lingonberry leaves must be harvested, which have almost the same properties as the fruits. They contain tannins, arbutin, tannin, hyperoside, etc.

The medicinal properties of lingonberry leaves have been known since ancient times, even modern science has recognized that they are very useful in the treatment of certain diseases. Of these, teas and decoctions are mainly prepared, which are used when there are inflammatory problems and metabolic disorders in the body.

Lingonberry leaves regulate metabolic processes in the body, remove toxins, salts of heavy metals and crush stones in the kidneys and gall bladder.

Other useful properties of lingonberry leaves:

• normalize blood pressure;
• help with diseases of the genitourinary system;
• treat joints;
• a decoction of lingonberry leaves is indicated for diseases of the oral cavity.

Lingonberry in medicine

With diabetes

Diabetes is becoming more and more common, and WHO classifies it as one of the most common on the planet.Many medications are being developed for treatment that are becoming more effective every day. As for traditional medicine, there are no recipes or herbs that could cure diabetes. For a successful fight against the disease, it is important to adhere to a diet. So, many foods are excluded from the diet, even some fruits and berries, however, this does not apply to lingonberries, on the contrary, it plays an important role in the nutrition of patients with diabetes.

Lingonberry is a pantry of vitamins and useful macro- and microelements, which is important when restricting products. Berries for diabetics are a catalyst for the action of insulin. This means that some substances are better absorbed by the body - it does not spend extra insulin.

Note! Experts advise to use at least two glasses of lingonberries a day in the berry picking season, dividing into several receptions.

With diabetes, you can also use cranberry leaves, a decoction of them copes with diseases of the genitourinary system, without the use of antibiotics. Often in patients with diabetes there is increased pressure, in this case, a decoction of lingonberry leaves will come in handy.

The leaves of the plant also contain substances that help control blood sugar.

Important: lingonberry glycemic index - 25 units.

With pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a serious disease in which the secreted pancreatic enzymes do not enter the duodenum, but begin to act directly in it, causing its destruction. About half the cases of disease are associated with excessive alcohol consumption. In addition to treatment, you must strictly adhere to the diet.

The course of the disease is characterized by two stages: acute and remission. In the first case, fresh berries must be discarded, as they contain acids and substances that stimulate the active secretion of pancreatic enzymes. However, lingonberries can be included in the diet after heat treatment. It can be jelly or a weak decoction. During remission, the list of products in the diet expands significantly, you can already use juices, fruit drinks and drury drinks. Fresh berries should be treated with caution, they can be included only after consulting a doctor.

By regularly consuming lingonberry-based products, you can significantly improve your health during illness:

1. Jelly, decoctions and juices quench thirst, relieve inflammation of the pancreas.
2. Repair damaged tissues and cells.
3. Contribute to a speedy recovery.

With gastritis

Gastritis is a disease characterized by inflammation of the gastric mucosa. For successful treatment, as in diabetes and pancreatitis, you should adhere to a certain diet, although not as strict. Lingonberries are strictly forbidden to use, if the disease occurs against a background of increased acidity, if not, then a moderate number of berries will contribute to a speedy recovery. With gastritis, you can use not only berries, but also diluted fresh juice, decoctions, teas.

For the intestines

The benefits for the gastrointestinal tract from lingonberries have been noticed for a long time. For example, capricious children were given some berries before dinner, and they ate everything that was served to the table. Now it is precisely known that due to the presence of many organic acids, lingonberry berries stimulate appetite and contribute to abundant salivation. In addition, it activates the production of enzymes and gastric juice, which affects the speed and facilitate digestion, as well as the digestibility of nutrients and vitamins by the body.

Also in the peel of berries there is pectin, which significantly improves the motility of the stomach. He also “cleanses” the body of toxins, toxins and other harmful substances.

For constipation

As mentioned earlier, lingonberries have a positive effect on the digestive tract and are a good diuretic, but many forget that if you regularly eat them, there will never be constipation. The fact is that with normal peristalsis of the stomach, the occurrence of constipation is impossible. Lingonberry also contributes to the formation of fluid, which softens the stool and facilitates its release. And the ability to neutralize toxins that occur with constipation makes it one of the best remedies in the fight against them.

If there is a problem with the stool, having drunk a solution prepared on lingonberries, it can be solved literally in one day. In severe cases, treatment may take a longer time.

With gout

The disease occurs as a result of deposition of uric acid salts in the joints, which is a consequence of metabolic disorders in the body of a substance such as purine. For treatment, foods with a high content of this substance should be avoided.

In folk medicine, there are several recipes with the use of lingonberries for the treatment of the disease. The benefit is that it relieves inflammation, restores bone and cartilage, and also gently and painlessly removes uric acid salts from the body.

It is impossible to cure gout with lingonberries alone, however, to improve the effect of drugs, many experts prescribe to take it in the form of fresh berries and decoctions of leaves.

With hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids - a disease in which blood circulation in the pelvic region is disturbed. The cause of the occurrence can be unhealthy diet, abuse of fatty foods, disruption of the digestive tract and a sedentary lifestyle.

First of all, with this ailment, it is important to normalize the work of the stomach and stool. In this regard, just in case, there will be lingonberry. It can be both fresh berries and teas, as well as decoctions and infusions from leaves.

The berry normalizes the digestive tract, blood circulation, relieves inflammation and relieves constipation, which is necessary in order to overcome the disease.

With cholecystitis

Inflammation of the gallbladder occurs due to urolithiasis. This leads to damage to the mucous membrane of the gallbladder, so you can not use it for treating lingonberries - a large amount of the presence of organic acids can cause an exacerbation.

With cystitis

It should be noted that the components contained in the berries and leaves of lingonberry are part of almost all drugs that are prescribed for the treatment of cystitis. As soon as manifestations of the disease have begun, it is possible, without waiting for a diagnosis, to use lingonberries and remedies for prevention. The berry relieves inflammation of the bladder, relieves pain during urination, destroys the bacteria that cause the disease, and disinfects the canals.

The effect of eating fresh berries in the treatment of cystitis will be significantly lower than from infusions and decoctions of it or leaves.

With a cold

Lingonberry is an excellent way to fight colds, doctors often advise using it with severe chills and fever, it enhances the effect of antibiotics, and the components in its composition fight viruses and infections. Fruit drink, decoction or tea is an excellent remedy for colds, SARS, or flu, as it perfectly quenches thirst, relieves fever, actively fights infection and gives vitality.

Lingonberry activates the protective properties of the body and thus contributes to a speedy recovery. It is recommended to use it not only to combat diseases, but also for their prevention.

Lingonberry-based traditional medicine recipes

Since lingonberry has strong antibacterial properties, it is perhaps best to start with a recipe that will help cope with any cold.

With ARVI

For cooking you will need:

• dry berries and leaves of lingonberry;
• honey and water.

How to cook:

1. Berries (20-30 gr.) And leaves (250-300 gr.) Rinse thoroughly with water and put in a container where a decoction will be prepared.
2. Separately, boil water - 0.5 liters.
3. Pour boiling water over the leaves and berries and cook for another 15-20 minutes.
4. Then remove from heat, cover and leave for half an hour.
5. Add honey.

The broth should be drunk 3-4 times a day, for adults - 200-300 ml, the dose should be halved for children.

Infusion for inflammation of the kidneys or bladder

This recipe is very simple, but at the same time quite effective. For cooking, you need 20 gr. lingonberry leaves and a glass of water.

It is simple to prepare the infusion: the leaves are poured into a thermos and poured with boiling water, insist for at least 1 hour.

Use infusion according to Art. tablespoons 2-3 times a day before meals, it must be warm, so it needs to be heated every time.

With enuresis

Involuntary urination occurs after falling asleep, after 2-3 hours. The reasons can be different: problems of the genitourinary system, stress, etc. Most often, the phenomenon occurs in children, you can cope with it by folk remedies, in particular with a decoction of lingonberry leaves.

For cooking you will need:

• leaves and berries of lingonberry 1 tbsp. spoons;
• St. John's wort - 2-3 tbsp. spoons;
• water - 600-700 ml.

How to cook:

1. Rinse, mix, add water and put on fire.
2. Boil, cook for 10-15 minutes on low heat.
3. Strain the broth.

The broth is taken three times a day in one glass, it is necessary to start after 17:00, the last one hour before bedtime.

Cystitis treatment

In the treatment of cystitis, experts recommend consuming a large amount of fluid, because the bladder is thus cleared of bacteria that caused the disease. For treatment, you can use compote, tea or lingonberry infusions.

Compote Recipe
It is very simple to make compote, for this 3-4 glasses of fresh berries are washed thoroughly. Then pour water, put on fire and bring to a boil. It is better not to do a long heat treatment of fresh berries, because vitamin C is lost. Therefore, immediately after boiling, the container with berries must be removed from the stove and let the compote brew. For treatment, you should drink as much of this drink as possible. To improve the taste, you can add sugar or honey.

For constipation

Everyone, both adults and children, suffers from constipation. Lingonberries are the best way to deal with this problem quickly and effectively.

For cooking you will need:

• fresh lingonberry juice - 50 ml;
• boiled water - 200 ml;
• Art. a spoon of honey.

Mix juice, water and honey, everything is ready.

Adults need to take the mixture at least 4 times a day, 100 ml. Children 50, with the same frequency. Even the most difficult case will be resolved no later than 3 days of using this medicine. If after the end of the course the problem is not solved, then you should immediately consult a doctor.

Lingonberry in cosmetology

Vitamin A and E are included in most face and hair care products, thanks to them the skin becomes elastic, supple, small wrinkles are smoothed out, and deep ones become less noticeable. Hair becomes shiny and strong.

For face

Before preparing a mask or toner for a face from lingonberries, you need to make sure that its juice does not cause an allergic reaction, and for this you need to conduct a test by dropping the juice on your wrist.

Blackhead Lotion
To prepare such a lotion, you need to mix a glass of freshly squeezed cranberry juice with mineral water containing a large amount of salts. Juice can be squeezed even from frozen berries. The face must be wiped with this lotion after washing in the morning and at night. After a while, the acne will disappear, the acne will decrease, and black spots can be forgotten forever.

Prescription mask for aging skin
What is needed:

• half a glass of lingonberry berries (you can use frozen);
• protein of 1 chicken egg.

How to cook:

1. Berries must be carefully crushed and add egg white.
2. Mix everything thoroughly.

Apply the resulting mixture to the face and leave to act for at least 25 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer. After the first application, the natural complexion will return, wrinkles will become less pronounced and dark spots will go away.

Scrub
What is needed:

• 3 walnuts shell;
• lingonberry berries - 2 tsp.

How to cook
Crush the shell, chop in a blender or meat grinder, add crushed berries. In order to enhance the effect, you can add half a teaspoon of olive oil.

Rub into the skin in a circular motion, leave to act no more than 25 minutes. Then rinse with warm water and apply a moisturizer. Scrub is suitable for all skin types.

For hair

Hair Loss Prevention Mask
In order to cook this mask, you need lingonberry juice, carrots, castor oil.

1. Carrots (1 pc.) Are washed, peeled, grated.
2. Add cranberry juice 1/3 cup and oil 1-2 tbsp. spoons.

The resulting mixture is applied to the hair roots, covered with a rubber cap or film, wrapped in a bath towel and left to act for 1-2 hours. Then wash off with water and shampoo. Hair becomes strong, soft and fluffy.

Mask for hair structure restoration
What is needed:

• vegetable oil - 2 tbsp. spoons;
• lingonberry juice - 2 tbsp. spoons;
• yolk of 2 eggs;
• 1 drop of lemon oil.

How to cook
Mix juice and vegetable oil. Then add the yolks and lemon oil. Mix thoroughly with a mixer.

Apply the mask evenly over the entire length of the hair and leave to act for half an hour. Then rinse with warm water and shampoo. You can use it no more than 3 times a month, if the condition of the hair is too poor, the amount can be increased to 4.

Hair conditioner
Lingonberry leaves are mainly used to treat skin. If itching and dandruff appear, rinse aid can be prepared from them.

To do this, you need to prepare a decoction of 1 tbsp. tablespoons of crushed cowberry leaves and 1 cup of water. Rinse aid can be used regularly until the symptoms go away.

Harm and contraindications

Despite the fact that cranberries have many useful minerals and vitamins, it can harm the body. It has strong healing properties, so you need to enter it carefully and gradually. If after eating the condition has not worsened, then you can eat further, otherwise - it must be excluded from the diet.

Do not recommend consuming lingonberries with increased acidity of the stomach. People with reduced pressure need to eat the berry very carefully, as it significantly lowers it. Strongly do not use lingonberry with cholecystitis.

Also, do not forget about individual intolerance to the berry.

How to store lingonberries

Due to the presence of benzoic acid in lingonberries, its berries can be stored for quite some time without being processed.

Storage Methods:

1. In water. To do this, choose ripe, not overripe berries, wash, put in a jar and leave for 2-3 days. Then drain and collect fresh water, close tightly with a lid. So the berries can be stored for up to 2 months and remain fresh.
2. In a refrigerator. To do this, you need to sort out the berries, remove the spoiled and despised. Wash and dry, then put in a deep container and put in the refrigerator. Lingonberries will retain freshness and taste for up to 3 months.

Lingonberries can also be soaked, dried and jam made from it.

Is it possible to freeze

Today, in all supermarkets you can find frozen vegetables for sale. Most of them will not be able to freeze at home, because special technology is required - “shock freezing”.However, this does not apply to lingonberries. Frozen lingonberry berries completely retain all the vitamins, and she can be pleased with the family all year round.

In order to freeze it, you must first sort out the berries: remove the spoiled and overripe. Rinse thoroughly, dry, remove twigs. Pack tightly in bags and put in the freezer.

How to eat lingonberries

How much can you eat per day

The amount of lingonberries eaten depends on the individual characteristics of the body, but there are general recommendations. So, according to them, more than 170-210 grams should not be consumed per day. berries. This is due to the content of saccharides. Of course, you will not gain weight from them, however, they can give a serious load to some organs, and if you consider that the lingonberry will probably be jammed with something sweet, then this load will double.

Can I eat at night

Given that berries are not high-calorie, have the ability to regulate blood pressure, we can conclude that they can and should be eaten before bedtime.

What can be cooked from lingonberries: recipes

Morse

What is needed:

• lingonberry berries - 250-300 gr.;
• water - 1 l .;
• sugar to taste.

How to cook
Berries should be crushed so that they start juice. To fill with water. Add sugar and mix thoroughly. Put on fire and bring to a boil.

As soon as the water boils, remove the fruit drink and let it cool. Serve chilled.

Compote

What is needed:

• 0.5 kg of lingonberry berries;
• 1.5 liters of water;
• honey, sugar to taste;
• lemon - 1 pc.;
• 1 stick of cinnamon, clove.

How to cook:

1. Lingonberries are poured with water and put on fire. After the water boils, the composition is left to cook for 15-25 minutes on low heat.
2. At this time, squeeze the juice of lemon.
3. Then the juice, spices, sugar and honey are added to the lingonberry and everything is mixed until the sugar dissolves.
4. Compote is allowed to infuse for half an hour.
5. You can use both hot and cold.

Jam

For cooking you will need:

• lingonberry berries;
• sugar sand.

How to cook:

1. Berries are thoroughly washed, leaves and twigs are removed.
2. Put in a pan and add water, bring to a boil.
3. Then sugar is added, its amount is approximately equal to half the weight of the berries, mix thoroughly and boil for 20 minutes.
4. Jam is poured into jars and clogged.

Lingonberry juice

This recipe for making juice for the winter has a long cooking time, but the result is worth it.

What is needed:

• lingonberry berries;
• sugar.

How to cook:

1. Only very ripe berries that are sorted and washed are suitable for cooking.
2. Pour water so that it slightly covers the fruits, and put on the stove. Bring to a boil.
3. Then immediately remove and allow to stand for half an hour.
4. Then the berries are carefully placed in a colander and left overnight.
5. Received the next day, the juice must be weighed.
6. Add sugar - its amount is half the weight of the juice.
7. Put on fire. After the juice boils, cook for 10 minutes.
8. After that, you can drink it chilled or cork for the winter.

Tea with lingonberries

When brewing tea, several lingonberry berries can be added to it, either dried, fresh or frozen. Quantity depends on personal preference.

Meat sauce

To prepare the sauce you will need:

• very ripe lingonberries - 0.5 kg .;
• starch;
• white wine - 100 gr;
• cinnamon.

How to cook:

1. Lingonberries are thoroughly washed and leaves and twigs are removed.
2. Fill with water about 1/4 liter and put on fire.
3. Cook until the berries begin to burst.
4. Then they need to be taken out, cooled and wiped through a sieve.
5. The resulting mass is added to the same water and put on fire again.
6. After the water boils, add sugar (0.5 cups) and a pinch of cinnamon.
7. Cook over low heat until the mixture decreases by 1/3 of the original volume, then add wine.

The sauce can be served cold or hot.

Is it possible to give lingonberries to animals

Many animals in the natural environment feed on lingonberries: bears, wolves, foxes, hares, as well as birds. Therefore, you can give lingonberries to pets. In this case, you only need to check if the pet has individual intolerance. In this case, rarely what kind of dog or cat will use lingonberries.

Interesting facts about lingonberries

1. Lingonberry blooms for a short time - only 14 days.
2. She is called the "queen of berries."
3. The plant normally develops even in very harsh conditions, for example, in the tundra or mountains.
4. In traditional medicine, it is used for the preparation of infusions and decoctions.
5. Lingonberry berries are used to treat tuberculosis.

Photo lingonberries