Puritans Pride Bilberry 4:1 Fruit Extract 1000 mg 90 Softgels
WHAT IS A BILBERRY?
The bilberry, a relative of the cranberry, huckleberry, and American blueberry, is a plant with bright green leaves and bell-shaped flowers that grows wild, primarily in northern Europe.
The bilberry looks very much like a blueberry, but its flesh is darker -- somewhere between deep purple and crimson -- and its flavor is tarter, says Steve Foster, a plant photographer who has written or co-written 17field and reference guides on medicinal plants and herbs, most recently National Geographic's Guide to Medicinal Herbs.
The depth of color of the bilberry's flesh is caused by those anthocyanosides -- also found in dark berries to varying degrees. The fruit also has antimicrobial tannins, which are found in purple grapes and dark teas
Bilberry: A Long History of Vision SupportBilberry (Vaccinum myrtillus) is a European berry shrub very similar to the blueberry or huckleberry found in the United States. Like many herbal supplements, the use of bilberry goes back centuries, with medicinal usage recorded as early as the beginning of the 16th century.
Bilberry’s modern usage began in earnest during World War II. The story is that British and US pilots began eating bilberries as part of their diet. They soon discovered a marked improvement in their night vision as they flew missions over Europe.
Rich in Flavonoids That Support Eye Health
Extensive research has identified the specific vital substances in bilberry and verified their benefits for the eyes and circulatory system. Bilberry is high in a substance called flavonoids, chemically known as polyphenols. Bilberry’s flavonoids are anthocyanosides that enhance microcirculation throughout the body.
Research has shown this effect to be particularly noticeable in the delicate blood vessels supplying the retina of the eye. The retina is where the major functions of vision occur.
Why You Should Supplement Bilberry
As a supplement, bilberry plays an important role in improving and maintaining eye health. Bilberry is a common treatment for many varieties of retinopathy, a disorder in which the intricate blood vessels and nerves of the retina are damaged. In France, bilberries have been prescribed since 1945 for diabetic retinopathy, a major cause of blindness in diabetics.
Numerous studies have documented bilberry’s usefulness as a medicinal herb. One study concluded that bilberry extract used in conjunction with vitamin E prevented the progression of cataracts in 48 of 50 patients suffering from cataracts.
Bilberry has been used in support for glaucoma, macular degeneration, eye fatigue, poor night vision, and nearsightedness.
