What is Bilberry Used For?
BilberriesThese berries have historically been used to help improve night vision, treat diarrhea, improve blood sugar levels in diabetics, strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation.Bilberries are often called the European blueberry. They are mostly found in northern Europe. In the U.S. they are called huckleberries. The fruit and the leaves have historically been used for medicinal purpose. It is difficult to get fresh bilberries in the U. S., but we can look at supplementing with tea, jam, extracts or capsules.
Bilberry Health BenefitsWhat is bilberry used for? Read on to learn about the health benefits of bilberry.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. To learn more about the benefits of this powerful antioxidant combined with lutein, read Bilberry and Lutein, The Vision Enhancers, by Beth M. Ley, Ph.D. It is well researched and just may convince you as it did me, the need to protect our eyes with these supplements. Bilberry and Eye Health
The dark blue skin of the berry contains anthocyanins which may increase the retinal pigment. Bilberries have a very high anthrocyanin content because the pigment is in both the skin and the flesh. The pigment is only found in the skin in the North American blueberry. Plant pigments, like anthocyanins have excellent antioxidant properties. Antioxidants act as scavengers to neutralize free radicals which cause damage to our cells and especially to the macula. Antioxidants have been shown to help prevent many degenerative diseases such as macular degeneration. Anthocyanins also strengthen blood vessels and improve circulation. How does that help the macula? What is bilberry used for when it comes to the macula? Macular degeneration is the result of problems with the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the macula and the subsequent removal of waste products. Anytime circulation is improved in the body, the eye benefits as well. Better circulation to the macula means more nutrients and oxygen and less toxic build up. Bilberry and DiabetesWhat is bilberry used for when it come to diabetes? It is actually the leaves, and not the fruit, that has a tradition of helping to control blood sugar.Research has been done in animals and it is suggestive that bilberry leaf extract can lower blood sugar levels. However, at this time I have not found any human research to support a recommendation. Bilberry Side EffectsAccording to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine:"Bilberry fruit is considered safe. However, high doses of bilberry leaf or leaf extract are considered unsafe due to possible toxic side effects." It is always a good idea to inform your doctor about any herbs, supplements or alternative medicine that you are taking. Dangers of BilberryAccording to MedlinePlus,(a service of the U. S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health,)"Bilberry is generally believed to be safe in recommended doses for short periods of time, based on its history as a foodstuff. There is a lack of known reports of serious toxicity or side effects, although if taken in large doses, there is an increased risk of bleeding, upset stomach, or hydroquinone poisoning." To learn more about the dangers of bilberry you can click this link to MedlinePlus:
Dangers of Bilberry
Bilberry For EyesAccording to Beth M. Ley, author of Bilberry and Lutein, The Vision Enhancers, "the suggested daily use for bilberry is 240-480 mg. in capsule or tablet form or 1-2 ml in divided doses in tincture form of bilberry extract, standardized to 15-25% anthocyanosides."The eye vitamin that my husband and I take includes European bilberry as well as other powerful macular degeneration antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin - all from natural sources. If this vitamin for eyes interests you go to the Natural Eye Care website by clicking here: Macular Degeneration Antioxidant
Bilberry JamBesides eaten fresh, the berries are often used to make jam. Many of you have heard about the reputation of this jam during World War II when British Royal Airforce pilots ate it to improve their night vision.The jam cannot be easily found in grocery stores in the U.S. but can be bought on line. I've read that bilberry jam is not as sweet as other jams. I prefer to get my nutrients from food rather than supplements if possible, so I am going to order the jam on line and I will let you know how it tastes. If you want to know where I ordered mine here is the link: Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage What is bilberry used for? In summary, they contain powerful antioxidants, including vitamin C and anthocyanins. Anytime we can get antioxidants from food our bodies benefit, including the macula. For More Information:
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