1. Blueberry's European Cousin
The bilberry plant, native to Northern Europe, is a fruit very similar to the North American blueberry. Both the berries and leaves of the plant have been used in traditional herbal medicine. Historically, the most widespread use of the berries was to control diarrhea. The leaves have also been used to lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. As a modern herbal supplement the most common form is bilberry extract, which is made from the berries and packed into capsules.
2. Good Chemistry
Tannins, anti-inflammatory chemicals that cause tissues to constrict, thrive in bilberries. It is believed the tannins in bilberries help control diarrhea by reducing inflammation in the colon. Bilberries are also home to compounds called anthocyanocides, which support the health and maintenance of human blood vessels and the production of eye pigment. Similar to antioxidants, they help the body remove waste products from its cells. Like many fruits, bilberries are loaded with Vitamin C.
3. Keeps the Blood Flowing
Bilberry extract has been used in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency and atherosclerosis, often referred to as "hardening of the arteries." In chronic venous insufficiency the veins in the legs can't push blood back to the heart efficiently. Atherosclerosis occurs when high cholesterol causes plaque to accumulate in the arteries. The arteries become blocked and the walls of the blood vessels lose their elasticity. Researchers who have studied bilberry extract believe it helps these conditions via the anthocyanocide chemicals the blood vessels need to repair damage and stay strong and healthy. Anthocyanocides can also lower LDL, the "bad" cholesterol, another contributor to atherosclerosis.
4. Improves Your Vision
The role of anthocyanocides in the development of eye pigmentation allows bilberry extract in the treatment of various eye disorders. People take bilberry extract to slow the progress of cataracts and macular degeneration. Some use it to treat diabetic retinopathy. It has also been recommended for use in improving night vision.
5. Use Extra Caution With the Extract
Although bilberry extract is relatively safe, people using blood thinners or diabetes medications must exercise caution when taking bilberry at the same time. The bilberry anthocyanocides reduce blood clotting and increase the risk of abnormal bleeding when combined with blood-thinning medications. Bilberry extract is also thought to lower blood sugar, so people taking it along with diabetes drugs should monitor their blood sugar to make sure it doesn't get too low. People taking these medicines can still eat bilberries and food made from bilberries, because the active chemicals are not as concentrated as they are in the extract.
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