Lingonberries linked to health benefits in obesity research at University of Tampere

A dissertation set to be defended at the University of Tampere suggests that regular consumption of lingonberries offers health benefits. Using experimental models, food science master’s student Riitta Ryyti has examined the impact of lingonberries on health issues associated with obesity. Her findings indicate that regular intake of lingonberries could alleviate low-grade inflammation, metabolic disturbances, and harmful changes in the liver caused by obesity.

“Lingonberries, my favorite berries, have long been undervalued. Now, we have solid reasons to study them further and, most importantly, to consume more,” said Ryyti, who works in the berry industry.

The lingonberry harvest season is currently underway in Finnish forests and extends into October. Lingonberries yield the largest harvest among Finnish wild berries and are picked both for personal consumption and as raw material for industry. While the chemical composition of lingonberries is relatively well understood, research on their health effects remains limited.

Ryyti’s study specifically investigated whether adding lingonberry powder to a high-fat diet could help prevent low-grade inflammation and harmful metabolic changes associated with obesity. In her experiments, mice fed with lingonberry powder exhibited significantly lower levels of several inflammatory markers and leptin hormone than those on a fatty diet alone.

As a recommendation, Ryyti suggests a daily intake of approximately 100 grams (about two deciliters) of lingonberries, emphasizing the importance of consuming the whole berry rather than just the juice. Strong heating can diminish the health effects, so consuming fresh or frozen berries is preferable. Further research is still necessary to identify the active mechanisms of lingonberries and the optimal dosage. Ryyti will defend her dissertation, titled “Low-grade inflammation in obesity: Beneficial effects of lingonberry supplementation,” on August 23, 2024.