Bilberry Health Benefits

| Bilberry health benefits come from their strong antioxidant properties. These berries are high in flavonoids, which are found in many fruits and vegetables. |
Bilberry for Eyes
Bilberry for eyes and eye health has been associated for many years, but especially after British WW II pilots reported better night vision after eating bilberry jam. The benefits of bilberry comes from the compounds called anthocyanosides. Anthocyanosides are plant pigments that provide antioxidant protection. Antioxidants act as scavengers who de-activate free radicals that are known to play a role in the development of diseases like cancer or macular degeneration.Flavonoids have antioxidant properties which protect cells in the body and cell membranes from the damaging effects of free radicals. The flavonoid, anthocyanididins, found in this antioxidant fruit provides the blue color of the berry and is the main active ingredient of this plant. Bilberries have a very high anthrocyanin content because the pigment is found in both the skin and the flesh. In the North American blueberry, the pigment is only found in the skin. This antioxidant is known to benefit the eyes and the circulatory system.
Anthocyanin is an antioxidant that appears to have the effect of: fortifying blood-vessel walls, improving blood flow and improving oxygen delivery to the tiny blood vessels that keep eyes healthy, as well as helping to maintain good circulation. This European blueberry may affect blood platelet stickiness so talk to your doctor if you are taking any anti-coagulation medication. Bilberry also contains another powerful antioxidant, vitamin C.
Bilberry and Eye Floaters
According to Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, "Bilberry improves circulation in the blood vessels of the eye, helps maintain the integrity of capillaries, stabilizes collagen, and stimulates the production of rhodopsin essential for night vision."He also states that it is a myth that nothing can be done about floaters, but rather there may be treatment and prevention of floaters through proper diet, lifestyle and supplements. If you'd like to know more click here: Vision Health Treatment Options & Nutrient Recommendations
Bilberry and Lutein
  Antioxidants, such as bilberry and lutein are synergistic. What that means is that the two compounds working together are more effective, than the sum of the two working separately. According to Beth M. Ley, Ph.D. and author of Bilberry & Lutein: The Vision Enhancers! 
This powerful and well researched book is under $5.00 and provides convincing research that supplementing with these two antioxidants may be prudent for eye health.
Health Benefits of Bilberry
Here is a list of other bilberry health benefits:1) Antidiarrheal properties The tannins in this fruit when it is dried act as an astringent. This affects the gastrointestinal tract by shrinking and tightening the mucous membrane and helps to relieve the irritation. 2) Antibacterial effect 3) Powerful antioxidant - they contain high amounts of flavanoids called anthocyanosides which prevents the damaging effects of free radicals that cause aging, inflammation, cancer and degenerative disorders like macular degeneration. 4) Strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation Bilberry also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, catechol tannins, and hydroquinone. If you'd like to learn more about bilberry benefits, an excellent little book is Bilberry and Lutein by Beth M. Ley, Ph.D. She talks about the bilberry health benefits for the eyes, diabetes, and heart disease.
Bilberry Supplements
Bilberry is used in many vision supplements. Often it is easier to get the nutritional benefits of bilberry from a supplement. It can be difficult to get fresh bilberries or to drink enough bilberry tea to benefit your health. According to Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac., optometrist and licensed acupuncturist, "Bilberry improves circulation in the blood vessels of the eye, helps maintain the integrity of capillaries, stabilizes collagen, and stimulates the production of rhodopsin essential for night vision." He also states that it is a myth that nothing can be done to improve your eyesight, but rather through proper diet, lifestyle and supplements you can have a positive impact on your vision. If you'd like to consider taking bilberry supplements as part of your vitamins for eyes formula click here: Advanced Eye and Vision Support
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