The bilberry, a relative of the blueberry, is commonly used to make pies and jams, and it has also been used for nearly 1,000 years in traditional European medicine, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or the NCCAM. Also known as European blueberry, whortleberry and huckleberry, it grows in North America, Europe and northern Asia. It has several uses.
Antioxidant Source
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, bilberry fruit contains chemicals called anthocyanosides, which are plant pigments known for their antioxidant properties. Bilberry also contains vitamin C, another antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight free radicals, which are damaging particles that attack your cells, and they've been shown to prevent heart disease, cancer and premature aging.
Controlling Blood Sugar
Animal studies have shown that bilberry may be effective in controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics, but no human studies have been done, so the results are inconclusive, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention
Anthocyanosides have been shown in animal studies to strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation and prevent blood vessel blockage from LDL, or "bad," cholesterol, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The University notes, however, that research in people is needed before results are proven.
Diarrhea Treatment
People have been using bilberry for nearly a thousand years to treat diarrhea, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Bilberry contains tannins, which are substances that have anti-inflammatory properties. These tannins likely reduce intestinal inflammation, which helps relieve diarrhea.
Improving Vision
Anthocyanosides, the chemicals in bilberry, have also been shown to be helpful to people with vision problems. In fact, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, British fighter pilots ate bilberry jam during World War II to improve their night vision. But study results have been mixed, meaning that there's no conclusive evidence that bilberry actually does improve vision. Some people use bilberry to prevent cataracts and to help protect the retina, but studies are lacking in both areas, the University warns.
Member Comments