Bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus) are small blue berries that are indigenous to Northern Europe. They are commonly referred to as European blueberries because they resemble North American blueberries in appearance. Bilberry is a type of plant. Medicine is made from dried, ripe fruit and leaves. Bilberries have allegedly been used medicinally since the Middle Ages, and their juice has traditionally been used to dye linen and paper. They are now linked to a variety of health benefits, ranging from improved vision to lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
1. Packed With Nutrients
Bilberries, like most berries, are nutrient-dense fruit. They are commonly known as European blueberries because they share the same plant family as this popular fruit and have a nutritional profile similar to blueberries. They are likely to contain around 85% water, as well as good amounts of manganese and vitamins C and K.
2. May Improve Vision
Bilberries are well-known for their purported ability to improve vision, particularly at night. One 2-year study found that taking 120 mg of bilberry anthocyanins daily improved visual function by around 30% in people with glaucoma, a condition that causes gradual loss of sight. Other research indicates that taking 160-480 mg of powdered bilberry extract daily may help to reduce eye dryness and other symptoms of eye fatigue caused by working with video display terminals.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Bilberries may aid in the fight against inflammation, which is thought to be the root cause of many diseases. This effect could be attributed in part to the presence of anthocyanins, which are antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties. In one three-week study, people who took a supplement containing 300 mg of bilberry anthocyanins daily saw a 38-60% decrease in inflammatory markers.
4. May Lower Blood Sugar
Bilberries are a popular herbal remedy for lowering blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetics. Experts believe that the berries, like some blood-sugar-lowering medications, prevent carb breakdown and absorption in your gut. According to animal studies, the anthocyanins in bilberries may also stimulate insulin secretion, the hormone required to help move sugar from your blood into your cells.
5. Improves Heart Health
Bilberries may be beneficial to your heart's health. This may be due in part to their high vitamin K content, which aids in the prevention of blood clot formation, lowering your risk of heart attack and stroke. Further research suggests that the specific combination of anthocyanins found in bilberries may help lower blood pressure.