This forest berry is not so common, but despite this, it has always been used by traditional healers to prepare various medicines. In addition, the lingonberry has an excellent taste.
Lingonberry: benefits and features
Not only medicinal products are prepared from lingonberry berries. This berry serves as an excellent base for compotes, fruit drinks, jam. Its peculiarity is that it retains its beneficial properties and nutrients in the maximum amount even after heat treatment. Lingonberries are rich in vitamins A, C and E, group B, carotene and pectin. The use of this berry helps to maintain vision and strengthen the body's resistance to various colds.
Lingonberries also contain flavonoids and phytoncides to help improve the appearance of skin and hair. Eating the berries will help you get rid of extra pounds and even cope with a bad mood (thanks to its strong aroma and sweet taste).
The fructose content in lingonberries is maximum, and sucrose is minimal. Therefore, lingonberries can and even should be used for diabetes mellitus (however, you must first consult with your doctor, because each case is individual). The microelements contained in the berry - calcium, iron, potassium, manganese - will help to strengthen the immune system. They will also help in the fight against gastritis, tuberculosis and anemia.
In addition, due to the content of chromium and copper, lingonberries will strengthen the body's ability to resist the development of heart attacks. Also, the use of berries will help reduce puffiness (the diuretic effect of lingonberries will affect).
Not only the berry, but also the juice has beneficial properties. It is used in the treatment of colds, in the fight against problems of the digestive system (also only after consulting your doctor!).
One of the basic rules for using lingonberries is not to eat without the advice of a specialist for those who have digestive problems, especially with the secretory function of the stomach. Lingonberry is contraindicated for those suffering from gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer. This berry can lower blood pressure, which contributes to drowsiness, so drivers and those whose work requires extreme concentration and attentiveness should be extremely careful to use lingonberries.
Healthy and delicious recipes
You can make very tasty and healthy lingonberry jam with honey, which will serve as an excellent helper in the fight against winter colds. To do this, you will need:
- lingonberry - 1 kg;
- honey - 700 g;
- cinnamon - 1 stick;
- carnation - 3 buds;
- lemon - 1 pc.;
- water - 150 ml.
First you need to sort out the berries, rinse and dry. Boil for 2-3 minutes in boiling water, then transfer to a sieve and wipe with your hands. Then wipe again using a special "crush" until you get a puree, which must be placed in a saucepan for making jam. Add water, seasoning, honey and lemon zest. Cook over low heat until tender, remove the cinnamon stick and cloves, put the jam in sterilized jars, close the lids and put in the cold.
To prepare a healthy lingonberry broth, you need to take 1 tsp. crushed leaves and pour 2 glasses of water. Simmer for about 10 minutes.
For making healthy tea 3 tbsp. dried lingonberry leaves need to be poured with a liter of boiling water and let it brew for 10-12 minutes. If desired, you can add sugar - 3 tbsp.
