Multi nutrient-rich bilberry is valuable in maintaining skin health, cardiovascular fitness, cognitive strength, healthy and disease-free eyes, unobstructed blood flow and better functioning of the overall body. For many decades, the antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of bilberry have been prized for their effectiveness in a range of disorders including diarrhea, diabetes, liver, and kidney damage.
What is Bilberry?
Bilberry is a small edible dark blueberry of a low-growing shrub in the genus Vaccinium. Bilberry is scientifically referred to as Vaccinium myrtillus. It is a close relative of blueberry, blaeberry, huckleberry, whortleberry, and cranberry. These are delicious berries are native to Northern Europe and have been valued for their therapeutic effectiveness in the conventional system of European medicine for many centuries. [1]
Bilberry is a spreading, low-growing, deciduous shrub with slender branches having tiny pinkish blossoms and bright green, oval and pointed leaves. The plant yields dark purple berries harvested during summertime and can be used fresh or in dried form. Today, they are cultivated in Northern Asia, Europe, and North America and are becoming quite popular as a delicious ingredient in preserves, pies, and jams as well as for their ability to treat a range of health conditions. [2]
Nutritional Facts
Just like its cousins, huckleberry, and blueberry, bilberry is the richest natural sources of anthocyanin, which is an antioxidant that provides it the dark blue color. Along with anthocyanin, it also contains other phenolic components such as quercetin, tannins, pectin, and catechins. It also contains alkaloids, carbonic acids, and a range of vital nutrients including vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, and K. The mineral treasure present in it chromium, manganese, zinc, and iron. [3] [4]
Health Benefits of Bilberry
Here are the main ways that bilberries can make you healthy. Take a look at them.
Improves Vision
Bilberry is useful for the maintenance of eye health. Scientific studies have also advocated the effectiveness of bilberry extract in preventing age-related ocular disorders along with other eye diseases such as cataract and night-blindness. Leutin present in the eye, when combined with the compounds present in bilberry, helps enhance vision. Another research conducted on bilberry has also suggested that its beneficial enzyme-stimulating activity protects the eyes from endotoxin-induced uveitis. Its extracts stimulate the production of rhodopsin pigment which supports the eye to adapt to light changes. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9]
Treats Diarrhea
Bilberry has been used to treat stomach disorders such as diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea. Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties help to tighten tissues and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea. [10]
Bilberries are a type of blueberry found in Europe and the Northern U.S. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Anti-inflammatory Action
Due to the astringent action of tannins and pectin present in bilberry, it exerts a therapeutic effect on stomach inflammations. It also heals inflammation caused by the mucous membranes of the throat and mouth when applied topically. Anti-inflammatory properties of this fruit also assist in curing conditions like thrombosis and angina.
Blood Health
Research studies have validated the positive effects of bilberry on blood pressure and vascular health leading to the inhibition of platelet aggregation and smooth muscle contraction. It helps to strengthen capillaries, stimulates circulation and prevents disorders like varicose veins and hemorrhoids.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which the valves in leg veins that carry blood to the heart gets damaged. This results in itching, swelling, and pain in the leg. It sometimes also leads to skin ulcers. The anthocyanosides present in bilberry help to strengthen the blood vessels and decrease the symptoms. [11]
Manages Diabetes
The effectiveness of bilberry for managing diabetes has been appreciated since early times and has also been advocated by recent scientific findings. In a study published in The Journal of Nutrition, an animal model revealed that anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract significantly reduced the blood glucose concentration and improved insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the study showed that the berry extract improved hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes. [12]
Menstrual Cramps
Women have also reported its effects on lowering menstrual cramps. Bilberry extract is also effective in curing ulcers and inhibiting fibrocystic breast disease.
Skin Care
Bilberry supports and toughens the collagen structures, stalls bacterial growth and assists in detoxification of the body. It is also recommended by doctors prior to surgeries in order to reduce the associated bleeding later.
Antioxidant Power
The antioxidant power of bilberry makes it a valuable multipurpose remedy. The rich source of anthocyanosides is useful water-soluble chemicals that possess radical scavenging qualities. They seek out for oxygen-free radicals produced during energy metabolism and neutralize their effects. This protective action prevents the occurrence of many problems caused as a consequence of oxidative stress.
Maintains Liver Health
Researchers have shown that the inhibitory and radical scavenging activity of bilberry extracts enhances the level of beneficial glutathione and vitamin C in the body and reduces the concentration of nitric oxide in the liver tissues.
Prevents Kidney Failure
Another antioxidant effect of bilberry is its defense against kidney damage. Scientific research has shown that its extracts help in normalizing multiple critical factors including levels of creatinine, serum, blood, urea, nitrogen, and nitric oxide. It also helps to excrete heavy metals from the body resulting in better detoxification. [13]
Cardioprotective Effects
The heart-protective effect is attributed to the potential of anthocyanins present in bilberry, which helps in regulating the LDL (bad) and HDL (good) cholesterol levels in the body. Another study has suggested that it also helps in preventing multiple cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis. [14] [15]
Antimicrobial Effects
Bilberry contains phenolic components which have also been found to exert antimicrobial activity. This inhibitory action of the berry works against various human pathogens including salmonella, H.pylori, Bacillus, Clostridium and Staphylococcus aureus, and prevents the development of associated diseases. Recent scientific findings also suggest the potential of its extract in fighting antibiotic-resistant organisms. [16]
Uses of Bilberry
Bilberry can be consumed in fresh, dried, powdered, extracted, or in liquid form. When purchasing the extract, ensure that you buy the ones that have 25% anthocyanin in it for good health results. There are different ways to serve the fruit such as:
- Add bilberry fruit or the leaves to hot water and serve yourself a healthy tea!
- Use the berry as a filling for pies and tarts.
- Prepare its jams and relish it with bread.
- You can also drink some refreshing bilberry juice. The juice is also used as a base for liqueur and as a flavoring for sorbets and other desserts.
- If you are lazy to do any of the above, just gobble it up in its raw form! It serves as a yummy snack too.
Side Effects
Although bilberry is considered safe for consumption, there are a few exceptions that need to be considered: [17]
- Allergy: Some may experience allergic reactions like oral swelling, pale skin, weakness and breathing difficulties after consuming this berry. Caution should always be exercised while trying it for the first time.
- Medication Interaction: People taking anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs should cautiously use bilberry extracts as they may interact detrimentally or alter the effectiveness of the medication.
- Toxicity: Some recent studies have also warned against the usage of the fruit extracts in high concentrations as excessive consumption of this berry may cause toxicity and result in fatal complications in some individuals. [18]
- Surgery and Pregnancy: During special phases like lactation, pregnancy, and pre or post-surgery, it is best to avoid it. It is advisable to consult a medical expert to understand the appropriate dosage and discuss individualized concerns before using the berry for therapeutic usage to get maximum benefits without any side effects.
Among the berries, bilberry is considered an important and prized botanical owing to its multiple beneficial properties. Including these multitalented bilberries can deliciously boost the nutritional quotient of your diet and keep you healthy.
