Bilberry has been eaten for centuries in jams, cakes and pies. It is a relative of the blueberry and is indigenous to North America. In addition to being a tasty treat, bilberry offers health benefits for your eyes and your cardiovascular system. Before you take bilberry as a supplement, you should always consult your doctor. Supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so they should be used with caution. Bilberry may negatively interact with other medications you may be taking.
Types
Bilberry can be eaten, swallowed or drank. For many people, bilberries are a delicious fruit that can be eaten whole or in jams. The leaves of the bilberry plant are used to make pills. They are ground down and the powder is put into capsules. Tea can be made out of both the berries and the leaves of the bilberry plant.
Bilberry and Cardiovascular Health
Bilberry can improve the health of your circulatory system. According to Dr. Kathi Kemper in her paper "Bilberry," written for the Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research, antioxidant-rich bilberry can improve circulation and protect against circulatory-related disease. Dr. Kemper suggests that bilberry can improve atherosclerosis and varicose veins. Atherosclerosis is a buildup of plaque inside the arteries; symptoms include elevated blood pressure, shortness of breath upon exertion, elevated heart rate and fatigue. Varicose veins are twisty, cordlike, visible veins, usually in the legs. Varicose veins can cause achy legs, cramping and pain after prolonged sitting or standing.
Bilberry and Eye Health
Certain chemical elements of the bilberry plant can help improve eye health and protect the eyes from disease. According to the book "100 Super Supplements for a Longer Life," by Frank Murray, bilberry protects collagen structures found in the eyes. Bilberry can prevent and treat macular degeneration and retinopathy. Macular degeneration occurs when the macula, a portion of the eye that provides vision for clarity and detail, begins to break down. Retinopathy is damage to the retina of the eye. The retina is the portion of the eye that relays what is seen to the brain.
Dosage
Bilberry dosage is dependent on the means by which it is consumed. If you choose to take the berry as a pill, the recommended dose for adults is 1,000 mg, twice per day, according to Dr. Kemper. To consume the berries, you may eat 1 to 2 tsp. of dried berries twice per day. For tea, you can mix an amount of leaves and berries equal to 5 to 10 mg in 1 cup of water. Boil this for 10 minutes, strain and drink.
Side Effects
Bilberry is associated with very few side effects. If you consume too much bilberry, you may experience an upset stomach. It should be noted that bilberry can negatively affect people with diabetes and blood clotting disorders. If you have either of these conditions, consult your doctor before taking a bilberry supplement.
References
- The Center for Holistic Pediatric Education and Research; Bilberry; Kathi J. Kemper, M.D.; 1999
- "100 Super Supplements for a Longer Life"; Frank J. Murray; 2000
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