When dealing with the topic of ocular health, the use of bilberry has gained popularity, and appropriately so. Bilberry is of the Vaccinium species. Although our local blueberry is of the same species, the levels of health preserving benefits aren’t as high. There are definite health benefits to eating blueberries, but if there are specific issues which need addressing, the European bilberry is the best to use.
Bilberry is native to northern and central Europe, and is rich in anthrocyanins including delphinidin and cyanidin glycosides. The pulp of the bilberry is either red or purple in comparison to the light green found in our local blueberries. This is due to the rich levels of anthrocyanins.
The bilberry is difficult to grow and since the fruit is so small, they are seldom cultivated. Most is gathered from wild plants grown on lands that are publicly accessible. They are so plentiful that it’s estimated up to a fifth of Sweden contains bilberry bushes.
Much of the soil where these thrive is acidic and lacking nutrients. They are predominantly found within temperate and subarctic regions of the world. Often when plants thrive in these environments, they incorporate protective mechanisms within them that are a benefit to those who harvest and eat them. The Royal Air Force in northern Europe gave them to their pilots to improve their night vision.
Bilberry promotes improved microcirculation of the retina of the eye, providing improvements of myopia, retinitis, and glaucoma. For this reason, I have added it to my regime, since the VA had shown me to have increased intra-ocular pressure. Thankfully, my last check was normal after adding in bilberry and turmeric.
Bilberry can reduce eye strain and visual fatigue, while improving night vision. The anthrocyanins assist in maintaining visual purple, which is the pigment used in the eyes for night vision.
Since uncontrolled diabetes can lead to retinopathy, the circulatory support of the bilberry can assist the diabetic patient in protecting their eyesight. Keeping blood sugar low is still required, but protecting the eyes is critical to keeping your vision.
Bilberry is the herb specific to the circulatory aspects of the eye. When circulation is impaired to the retina, the body will try to create new vasculature, which crowds out the visual receptors of your eye. The result is macular degeneration. Opening up existing vasculature prevents the body’s response of new vessels, resulting in macular degeneration.
Not only for the eye, but in other areas of poor circulation do we see the wonderful benefits of bilberry. This includes hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
Recently I talked about benefiting microcirculation using turmeric. Bilberry is another great herb to impact these areas where circulation has been compromised. When focusing on circulation, the combination of these amazing herbs can compliment each other.
The question often asked is, “Is eating blueberries beneficial to my body?” The answer is a definite yes. Although they aren’t as power packed when it comes to vascular support, they do provide wonderful benefits and can be consumed daily. My preference is the muffins I make from scratch with my freshly milled organic grains and fresh eggs. Otherwise, I add them to my smoothies for the added antioxidant protected nutrition contained in them.
Since raising the more potent bilberries is out off the question, I use them for specific eye issues along with some good local organic blueberries. Be aware that unless organic, the local blueberries are heavily sprayed. Use caution in your purchase.
The Bilberry supplement I use in my office is one from my favorite herbal company, and the tablets contain a 100:1 extract, providing 6 grams of the fruit and 21.6 mg of the active anthrocyanosides. This is what would be considered a good therapeutic dose.
Bilberry is native to northern and central Europe, and is rich in anthrocyanins including delphinidin and cyanidin glycosides. The pulp of the bilberry is either red or purple in comparison to the light green found in our local blueberries. This is due to the rich levels of anthrocyanins.
The bilberry is difficult to grow and since the fruit is so small, they are seldom cultivated. Most is gathered from wild plants grown on lands that are publicly accessible. They are so plentiful that it’s estimated up to a fifth of Sweden contains bilberry bushes.
Much of the soil where these thrive is acidic and lacking nutrients. They are predominantly found within temperate and subarctic regions of the world. Often when plants thrive in these environments, they incorporate protective mechanisms within them that are a benefit to those who harvest and eat them. The Royal Air Force in northern Europe gave them to their pilots to improve their night vision.
Bilberry promotes improved microcirculation of the retina of the eye, providing improvements of myopia, retinitis, and glaucoma. For this reason, I have added it to my regime, since the VA had shown me to have increased intra-ocular pressure. Thankfully, my last check was normal after adding in bilberry and turmeric.
Bilberry can reduce eye strain and visual fatigue, while improving night vision. The anthrocyanins assist in maintaining visual purple, which is the pigment used in the eyes for night vision.
Since uncontrolled diabetes can lead to retinopathy, the circulatory support of the bilberry can assist the diabetic patient in protecting their eyesight. Keeping blood sugar low is still required, but protecting the eyes is critical to keeping your vision.
Bilberry is the herb specific to the circulatory aspects of the eye. When circulation is impaired to the retina, the body will try to create new vasculature, which crowds out the visual receptors of your eye. The result is macular degeneration. Opening up existing vasculature prevents the body’s response of new vessels, resulting in macular degeneration.
Not only for the eye, but in other areas of poor circulation do we see the wonderful benefits of bilberry. This includes hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
Recently I talked about benefiting microcirculation using turmeric. Bilberry is another great herb to impact these areas where circulation has been compromised. When focusing on circulation, the combination of these amazing herbs can compliment each other.
The question often asked is, “Is eating blueberries beneficial to my body?” The answer is a definite yes. Although they aren’t as power packed when it comes to vascular support, they do provide wonderful benefits and can be consumed daily. My preference is the muffins I make from scratch with my freshly milled organic grains and fresh eggs. Otherwise, I add them to my smoothies for the added antioxidant protected nutrition contained in them.
Since raising the more potent bilberries is out off the question, I use them for specific eye issues along with some good local organic blueberries. Be aware that unless organic, the local blueberries are heavily sprayed. Use caution in your purchase.
The Bilberry supplement I use in my office is one from my favorite herbal company, and the tablets contain a 100:1 extract, providing 6 grams of the fruit and 21.6 mg of the active anthrocyanosides. This is what would be considered a good therapeutic dose.
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