What Is Bilberry?
Bilberry extract became valued as a medicinal agent during World War II when British pilots claimed that eating bilberries improved their visual acuity, night vision and ability to adapt to glare. Scientific studies have backed up these testimonials by uncovering bilberry’s antioxidant properties. Free radicals are unstable molecules that in their bid to become more stable must bump into healthy cells and cause damage.
Bilberry Extract Health Benefits: An Antioxidant Powerhouse
Eye Health
Bilberry’s antioxidant properties neutralize free radicals and therefore reduce damage to vessels all over the body, including those in the eye. Cataracts are caused by free radical damage in the lens of the eye and therefore bilberry may help protect against and heal cataracts. Other eye problems that Bilberry supports, include:
- Macular Degeneration
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Night Blindness
- Myopia
Anti-Aging
Bilberry has anti-aging properties because as an antioxidant, it protects the body against environmental pollutants, free radicals and other substances that lead to aging. Bilberry makes an excellent anti-aging skin supplement when taken internally and since it boosts collagen, can also have a positive effect on hair and nail health.
Collagen Support
Bilberry also stabilizes the connective tissue called collagen. Thus it is beneficial for conditions of collagen instability in the vascular system such as varicose veins, phlebitis, joints and heart disease.
Promotes Healthy Circulation
Bilberry inhibits blood clotting and can be useful to increase circulation in cases of atherosclerosis and diabetes. Therefore, if you have circulatory issues, you may want to consider a bilberry supplement.
Bilberry Extract Supplement Varieties
The berries of the bilberry plant contain the greatest concentration of the medicinally active ingredients, anthocyanidins. Supplements often contain the whole plant in encapsulated form. By purchasing supplements standardized to anthocyanadins one can be sure that there are some dried berries in the formula. Bilberry can be found in formulas for enhancing eye health and are often combined with other antioxidants, berries and herbs, such as eyebright.
Safety Information Of Bilberry Extract
Bilberry should be used with caution if you are nursing or pregnant. Bilberry can interfere with iron absorption and should not be taken at the same time as iron supplements. Bilberry may alter blood sugar levels and should be used cautiously in diabetics and hypoglycemics.
