What is Bilberry ?

Bilberry is a small wild shrub of European origin. It produces small dark blue berries. It is closely related to blueberry, huckleberry and bearberry plants which grow in the US.

Where is bilberry commonly seen ?
Bilberry is seen being cultivated from the Far East to the United States.

History of Bilberries
Bilberry is believed to have been popular with herbalists over the centuries. In the Elizabethan times bilberries were used as medicine for diarrhea and stomach problems by making syrup called rob by mixing it with honey. The ancient folk wisdom promoted the leaves of bilberry as a local remedy for diabetes. Legend says that bilberries became extremely popular during World War II when British and American pilots realized that bilberry jam helped considerably in night vision. It soon became an essential ingredient of the diet of Air Force pilots. Further extensive research in Europe has proved that bilberries are especially beneficial for the eyes and therefore they have been prescribed successfully for diabetic retinopathy, a major cause for blindness in diabetes.

Enter your e-mail address below to subscribe to GenuineAnswer's FREE newsletter:

Use of bilberries
Bilberry is a good remedy which can be used in combination with other medicine for various eye disorders like glaucoma, cataract, and macular degeneration. It is also found to be productive in conditions of retinopathy, eye fatigue, poor night vision and near sightedness. It is also used as a preventive measure for glaucoma and cataract, especially as supplement in the diet of pilots and cab drivers. Bilberry is also prescribed in the treatment of arthritis, varicose veins and atherosclerosis. Bilberries can be eaten fresh or preserved as delicious jams and preservatives. However it is advisable to use bilberry under medical supervision.

Why are bilberries known for their medical properties ?
Bilberries have a high content of flavonoids found abundantly in fruits, vegetables and grains, especially in citrus fruits and berries. It is said that flavonoids are what imparts the blue color to bilberries.

Flavonoids have the properties of antioxidants and are also effective in disease fighting. Bilberry flavonoids can increase certain enzymes in the eyes which are important in ensuring good vision.

The anthycyanosides in the bilberry increases the blood circulation in the eyes and promotes the repair and protection of blood vessels. They protect a protein called collagen which plays an important role in the building block of veins, arteries, capillaries and connective tissue. This is the reason that bilberry is particularly effective in the treatment of retinopathy.

Bilberry extract used with Vitamin E is found to be effective in preventing the progression of cataracts. It is also seen to reduce and stabilize the blood sugar levels, lower the cholesterol levels and improved circulation of blood.

Side effects and precautions
Although bilberries can be taken in large doses, it is cautious to avoid the consumption of bilberry leaves for a long period because of their toxic properties.

Article Contributed By: Sabina Zacharias


	Did you like what you read here ? Would you like to be updated about similar stuff in the same format once a fortnight? Just sign up for our Free Newsletter, and we will send you articles twice a month about another Interesting Question - one sure to have crossed your mind sometime. GenuineAnswers.com has the Highest Quality standard. Each Article is well researched by experienced writers who work from across the globe contributing to our pool of Answers and taking us close to our Goal of providing Clear and Genuine responses to questions that we hear now and then and cross our minds from time to time. You can expect Crisp & Clear newsletters of the highest quality and ones that would be an interesting read twice a month. IMPORTANT - Please Note that, unlike many other email newsletters, subscribing to the GenuineAnswers.com newsletter will NOT result in you receiving any Spam. We have put measures in place to ensure this, and so we can Guarantee it! Sign up for the free newsletter by entering your email address below.
		Sign Up for the FREE Genuine Answers Newsletter. Guaranteed NO Spam !!

Other Categories: Health-Wellness Software-Hardware Fruits-Food-Drinks Money-Finance Internet-Technology-Gadgets
Sports-Leisure Babies-Kids Pets-Animals Ailments-Medicine Miscellaneous

Similar Websites: