A small edible dark blueberry known as Bilberry is a low-growing shrub that belongs to the genus Vaccinium. Vaccinium myrtillus is the scientific name of the Bilberry. Among its relatives are huckleberries, blueberries, whortles, blueberries, and cranberries.
Northern Europe is home to these delicious berries, which have been used in western medicine for centuries for their therapeutic benefits.
This plant is deciduous, has slender branches, bright green pointed and oval leaves, and tiny pinkish blooms. During summertime, the plant produces berries having dark purple that can be dried or consumed fresh.
For their incredible abilities to treat a range of health conditions as well as for their preserves, delicious taste in jams and pies, these berries are grown today in Europe, northern Asia, and North America.
Benefits of Bilberry
The bilberries can improve your health by following the primary way.
1. Bilberry Improves Vision
Bilberries help to keep your eyes healthy. There is evidence that bilberry extract is effective in preventing age-related ocular disorders and other eye problems such as cataracts.
When the compounds of bilberries are combined with the eye’s Leutin, it helps to improve sight. According to another study, bilberry also acts as an enzyme stimulator, which has the effect of protecting the eyes against endotoxin-induced uveitis.
Rhodopsin, a pigment that is produced naturally by the body and supports adaptation to light, is stimulated to increase production through Its extracts.
2. Bilberry extract Treats Diarrhea
Billberry is traditionally used in treating stomach disorders, including diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea. This berry helps to tighten tissues and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea also due to its astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
3. Bilberry for Blood pressure
The positive effects of bilberries on vascular health leading to the inhibition of platelet aggregation and blood pressure and smooth muscle contraction are proved by research studies.
In addition, it stimulates circulation, strengthens capillaries, and inhibits diseases such as hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
4. Bilberry supplement manages Diabetes
Scientific findings in recent years have also supported the effectiveness of bilberries for managing diabetes. In an animal model study, it was revealed that a significant reduction of blood glucose levels and sensitivity of insulin improved due to anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract. In addition, the study proved that its extract improved insulin sensitivity and hyperglycemia in diabetic patients.
5. Bilberry for Skin Care
Bilberry prevents bacteria from growing, strengthens and toughens collagen, and assists in detoxifying the body. Doctors also recommend it prior to surgery to lessen bleeding afterwards.
6. Bilberry capsules prevent Kidney Failure
Bilberry also protects the kidneys from damage because of its antioxidant effects. A variety of critical factors have been shown to be normalized by its extracts, including creatinine levels, blood, urea, serum, nitric oxide, and nitrogen.
It is beneficial for detoxification as it facilitates the clearance of heavy metals from the body.
Uses of Bilberry
There are many ways to consume bilberries, including dried, powdered, liquid, extracted, and fresh. Be sure to purchase anthocyanin extracts with a minimum of 25% in them to get maximum health benefits. Fruit can be served in a variety of ways, including:
Serve yourself a healthy tea by adding some bilberry fruit or leaves to hot water.
- For pie and tart fillings, use the berries.
- Make jams of its fruits and spread them on bread.
- A refreshing bilberry juice is also available.
- Alternatively, if none of the above sounds appealing, you can eat it raw simply. As well as tasting good, this snack has a lot of nutritional value.
Side Effects
Although bilberries are generally regarded as safe for consumption, there are a few exceptions to this rule:
- Allergic reactions resulting from eating this berry can include pale skin, swollen mouths, and difficulty breathing. First-time users should always exercise caution.
- If you are taking ant platelet medications, then you should use bilberry extract cautiously because it may interact detrimentally or change its effectiveness.
- There have also been some recent studies that warn against consuming high concentrations of the fruit extracts since excessive consumption of this fruit may cause toxicity and even result in death.
