Bilberry 1000 mg - 90 Softgels
Supports Healthy Eye Function
• Supports Healthy Eye Function
• Shown to improve night vision
• Supports healthy circulation
• Supports healthy immune function
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtilus) is a small shrub that grows in cool, temperate regions of both the northern and southern hemispheres. It is related to blueberry of the heath family and is also known as bleaberry and common whortleberry in Europe. It is first mentioned in early herbal traditional medicine from the Middle Ages, and became more prominent during the 18th century. Today it is listed in the German Commission “E” Monographs, and the studies into its nutritive properties are ongoing.
These fruits contain tannins and the vitamins A and C. Bilberry has been used to treat a variety of minor medical conditions since the 16th century. During WWII, British pilots noticed that their night vision improved after eating bilberries.
Since then, research has found that bilberry also may be useful for other eye disorders and it is considered to be the leading herb for supporting optimal eye health. Scientists also believe that bilberry can lessen free radical damage by strengthening capillaries and improving blood flow. Bilberry is a potent antioxidant and may strengthen collagen in the ligaments, tendons and cartilage.
As a source of vitamins A and C and anthocyanosides, bilberries are a source of antioxidants. Antioxidants scavenge the body for free radicals and eliminate them before they can damage muscle tissue, vital organs, or DNA. As a result, bilberry may offer some protection against the onset of various cancers.
In addition to having antioxidant effects, anthocyanosides are also clinically proven to promote blood vessel health and proper circulation. Improved circulation may lead to vasodilation, enhanced vision, the prevention of macular degeneration, improved joint health, increased blood flow to the brain, normalize blood clotting, supply the nervous system with blood, and reduce blood pressure.
Indeed, bilberry has been used anecdotally to enhance vision, to increase blood supply to smooth and skeletal muscle tissue and to reduce blood pressure.
As a source of quinic acid, bilberry - like its cousin the cranberry plant - may be useful for treating urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Additionally, clinical trials indicate that quinic acid may have beneficial effects on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
The tannins in bilberry have been used successfully to speed wound healing after dental surgeries, and reduce throat inflammation arising from flues, colds and allergy attacks. Tannins are also effective as a treatment for diarrhea.
Bilberry has been successfully used by insulin-dependant diabetics to reduce the need for insulin administration. Researchers believe that glucoquinine - a compound in bilberry that's proven to reduce blood-sugar levels - is responsible for this effect.
