Research Shows Real Bilberry Benefit

The Little Bilberry

Bilberries come from small shrubs that reach about 16 inches in height and are grown primarily in Europe. They have been around for almost one thousand years and have long been used for jams, jellies, and other fruit dishes. The berries are dark purple in color and ripen in late summer. Relatives of this plant include the cranberry, blueberry, and huckleberry, and the bilberry itself tastes much like a blueberry.

Early Uses of Bilberry

The primary use of bilberry was in the treatment of diarrhea, and it continues to be used for this purpose today. Over time, however, the bilberry was the subject of additional research, as specific chemical components are the fruit were identified.

The Many Additional Benefits of Bilberry from Bilberry Extract Research

Bilberry, like all berries, contains tannins, substances that act as anti-inflammatory agents and also as internal astringents. Flavonoids (called anthocyanidins) have strong antioxidant properties, which means that, like all dark berries, they search out and attack the free radicals which are known carcinogens, and which we all ingest in processed foods, drinks and in polluted air.

Some excellent bilberry benefit is in the area of improving circulation throughout the entire body and helping to build strong capillaries. As well, the flavonoids prevent blood platelets from sticking together and forming dangerous clots which can travel to the heart or brain and cause heart attacks and strokes, often of a deadly nature.

The tannins seem to be responsible for the bilberry benefit of eye health. Innumerable studies have been conducted with very positive results, and bilberry extract research clearly shows that a number of eye conditions are positively benefited from its use. Three eye conditions related to the bilberry tannin are as follows:

1. Macular degeneration is an eye condition primarily associated with aging. It is a chronic degenerative condition that eventually results in very bad vision if not blindness. Use of bilberry extract can act as a preventive as well as a reduction in the pace of this debilitating condition.
2. If one is prone to cataracts, the use of bilberry extract can successfully act as a preventative, and individuals who have cataracts in their family histories would do well to begin a regimen of bilberry extract now.
3. Many people have difficulty with night vision. This seems to become worse with age, but even young adults complain of this condition. The use of Bilberry extract has shown to improve night vision. Probably the incident which triggered this research was World War II. British pilots claimed that their night vision was better if they ate bilberry jam before flying.

Antioxidant properties of bilberry obviously assist with cancer prevention and perhaps with the reduction in existing tumors. Bilberry extract should perhaps be included with regular cancer treatment, and the berries could be consumed in any amount.

As an anti-inflammatory, bilberry benefit goes beyond the eye and can possibly improve locomotion. Studies with rats showed promise in this area. Individuals who face some lack of mobility due to muscle and joint pain might try bilberry extract.

Other studies indicate that bilberry may figure positively in the enhancement of memory. Current studies on elderly will continue to come to more definitive conclusions. Elderly individuals who have concerns over their own memory cold begin a regimen of bilberry intake now. It can’t hurt.

Bilberry tea has been used by many who claim that it reduces anxiety and stress levels. This would seem an easy option for stressed individuals to try.

Method of Taking Bilberry

Bilberry fruit can be eaten raw or dried. In this form, all of the important nutrients are present and there is no processing or heating to affect their efficacy. Tea can be made from either the fruit or the leaves or a combination of both. Bilberry extract is taken from the dried bilberry, again without cooking or processing, so that the original benefits of the natural ingredients remain intact.

Dosage and Side Effects

The typical dose of bilberry extract is in 80 mg. capsules, and there is not necessarily a recommended dosage, other than two to three a day. It would be difficult to overdose on bilberry, as it is a natural fruit without side effects.

Bilberry extract research will continue without question. There are many potential future uses for this little berry, and scientists may find a number of new benefits yet to be known.