Bilberry: For Healthy Vision
• Shown to improve night vision
• Supports optimal eye health
• Supports healthy circulation
• Supports healthy immune function
What is it and where does it come from?
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) is a perennial small-branched
shrubby fruit-bearing plant. Bilberry is native to Europe and
western Asia, and is related closely to blueberries and currants.
Bilberry is also known as whortleberry, black whortles, whinberry,
trackleberry, huckleberry, hurts, bleaberry, hurtleberry, airelle,
vaccinium frondosum, and European blueberries.
These fruits contain tannins and the vitamins A and C. Bilberry has
been used to treat a variety of minor medical conditions since the
*6th century. During WWII, British pilots noticed that their night
vision improved after eating bilberries.
Since then, research has found that bilberry also may be useful for
other eye disorders and it is considered to be the leading herb for
supporting optimal eye health. Scientists also believe that
bilberry can lessen free radical damage by strengthening
capillaries and improving blood flow. Bilberry is a potent
antioxidant and may strengthen collagen in the ligaments, tendons
and cartilage.
What does it do and what scientific studies give eveidence to
support its effects?
As a source of vitamins A and C and anthocyanosides, bilberries are
a source of antioxidants. Antioxidants scavenge the body for free
radicals and eliminate them before they can damage muscle tissue,
vital organs, or DNA.
In addition to having antioxidant effects, anthocyanosides are also
clinically proven to promote blood vessel health and proper
circulation. Improved circulation may lead to vasodilation,
enhanced vision, the prevention of macular degeneration, improved
joint health, increased blood flow to the brain, normalise blood
clotting, supply the nervous system with blood, and reduce blood
pressure.
Indeed, bilberry has been used anecdotally to enhance vision, to
increase blood supply to smooth and skeletal muscle tissue and to
reduce blood pressure.
As a source of quinic acid, bilberry - like its cousin the
cranberry plant - may be useful for treating urinary tract
infections and kidney stones. Additionally, clinical trials
indicate that quinic acid may have beneficial effects on the
treatment of Alzheimer\'s disease.
The tannins in bilberry have been used successfully to speed wound
healing after dental surgeries, and reduce throat inflammation
arising from flues, colds and allergy attacks. Tannins are also
effective as a treatment for diarrhea.
Bilberry has been successfully used by insulin-dependant diabetics
to reduce the need for insulin administration. Researchers believe
that glucoquinine - a compound in bilberry that\'s proven to reduce
blood-sugar levels - is responsible for this
effect.
Why should you take Bilberry?
• Chronic
venous insufficiency:Â Bilberry
has been studied for a condition called chronic venous
insufficiency. This term is more common in Europe than in the
United States. It describes several different problems that may be
caused by failure of the lower leg veins to work correctly. These
problems include leg swelling (edema), pain, itching, varicose
veins, breakdown of skin and skin ulcers. Early evidence suggests
that bilberry may improve blood flow in the legs.
• Eye
health:Â Early
studies suggest that bilberry may improve blood flow to the eyes
and may be beneficial in treating disorders of the retina. Other
studies report that bilberry may slow the progression of
cataracts.
