Lingonberry: a Canadian ‘super fruit’ that is even more ‘super’ in Manitoba

Lingonberries are small, tart tasting, bright red berries that grow wild on short bushes in northern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland and Labrador, and British Columbia. These berries are already a successful and popular fruit crop in Scandinavia but, interest in cultivating lingonberries in North America is growing due to their high antioxidant content and health promoting effects.

Wild lingonberry varieties in Manitoba have higher levels of antioxidants compared to varieties in other parts of Canada.
With the higher levels of antioxidants in the Manitoba varieties, this “super fruit” provides health benefits that seem to be unmatched by other fruits. Dr. Chris Siow and his team have found that lingonberries can provide health benefits related to liver and kidney function.

Lingonberry for liver health
• can reduce inflammatory response in the liver
• can reduce accumulation of fats in the liver
• can help prevent damage to the liver

Lingonberry for kidney health
• can reduce fasting blood sugar and lipid levels
• can reduce inflammatory response and prevent acute/chronic kidney injury
• can improve kidney function

Lingonberry research continues by AAFC researchers in Manitoba. The cultivation of Manitoba varieties could lead to the discovery of more beneficial health properties, while contributing to economic developments in Northern Manitoba.