Fruits have always been part of humans’ diets. And one of the most varied, flavorful, and versatile fruits is the berry. This group of fruits offers benefits unlike any other, from their diverse chemical compounds to their nutrients.
Berries have long been celebrated as being beneficial to those who want to lose weight, partly because they’re filled with polyphenols and partly because they’re great metabolism boosters.
And while all berries have their benefits, scientists have been praising a very specific berry in the past few years, the lingonberry.
The lingonberry, native to Scandinavian countries, is one of the newest berries to earn a reputation as a weight loss aid.
Lingonberries contain extremely high levels of polyphenols, powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals in the body. Polyphenols also help clear the body of pollutants that enter the system, whether through digestion, breathing, or through the skin.
These tiny red berries, also referred to as cowberries, are full of these polyphenols and, combined with their ability to boost metabolism, have become extremely popular in recent years.
Benefits of the Lingonberry
As mentioned above, lingonberries are known for the amount of polyphenols they contain, but that’s not where their benefits end.
Recent studies have looked at the lingonberry in association with the inflammation of molecules throughout the body.
The studies found that lingonberry can actually decrease the amount of inflammation experienced by molecules. While this may not be of a huge concern to most people, it is important for those who experience heart problems.
It’s been proven that inflammation can cause serious cardiovascular issues, so any steps taken to prevent this, especially naturally, are vital.
The body is filled with antioxidants, which are important to protect specific parts of the body from damage.
Unfortunately, these antioxidants needs to be replaced consistently if the body is going to remain protected. Lingonberries are known to replenish glutathione, one of the main antioxidants the body needs to remain healthy.
This antioxidant helps keep the nervous system, blood vessels, and glands safe from free radicals.
It’s also been suggested that lingonberry works as an anti-bacterial and is able to keep blood sugar balanced.
When used to fight off infections for specific bacteria, lingonberry was found to be extremely effective.
And, a study found that lingonberry can help lower high blood pressure, keeping the body balanced and healthy.
Lingonberry and Weight Loss
In a study conducted on mice the effect of lingonberry on weight gain and weight loss was thoroughly examined. The results were astonishing. It was concluded that the mice that were fed on high-fat diets, but with up to 20% of their diet made up of lingonberries, experienced the same health benefits as the mice that were on strict low-fat diets.
These benefits included low blood sugar and insulin levels as well as similar weight gain and loss.
There is so much that lingonberries can do for those who want to lose weight. Researchers agree that lingonberries are a perfect addition to daily diets for those who want to reach specific weight loss goals.
And, because lingonberries also minimize inflammation and lower blood pressure, they also help the obese deal with health issues while they’re trying to gain control of their weight.
Finally, lingonberries can be used even after weight loss goals are reached to keep the weight off. Adding just a tablespoon or more to a daily diet can be enough to fill the body with antioxidants and metabolism boosting properties.
It should be noted that while lingonberries offer wonderful benefits for those who wish to lose weight, they’re most beneficial when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. While they can help prevent weight gain, to lose weight while using them, an improved diet and daily exercise is needed.
A Lingonberry Diet
Because lingonberries are native to Scandinavian countries, they can be hard to find in other parts of the world. Many health food stores do have them, though not in fresh form.
Lingonberries are showing up more and more in the United States in jams and juices. However, lingonberry jams or juices will not be effective in aiding weight loss, as these tend to be high in sugar as well.
The best way to add lingonberry to a daily diet is to buy them frozen or in concentrated drops. Frozen berries can be sprinkled over cereal, cooked into oatmeal, or even made in to delicious and healthy smoothies.
Lingonberry in its concentrated form is even more effective than the berries, as they usually remove the sugar from the concentrate, which leaves only its nutritious benefits. These can be added to drinks, smoothies, or even taken straight.
What makes lingonberries so great for those looking to use them as a tool to lose weight is that they’re so versatile. And, since only one or two tablespoons of the fruit is needed to get their full benefit, adding them to a daily diet is extremely easy.
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