It’s a beautiful day to talk about some of the health benefits of bilberry.
Other known names for bilberry are European Blueberry, Vaccinium Myrtillus, Blaeberry, and Whortleberry.
Here is a list of the health benefits of bilberry.
1. Bilberry Is Rich In Nutrients
Bilberry is low in calories but is a good source of different nutrients.
It is rich in fiber, vitamin C and K, and manganese.
Other nutrients you can get from bilberry are vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6. You can also get copper, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.
2. May Help Improve Cholesterol Levels
Consuming bilberry may reduce bad cholesterol levels while simultaneously increase good cholesterol levels.
It’s suggested that anthocyanin in this berry plays a big role in this.
Another natural way of improving cholesterol levels is by consuming barberry.
Here is my article on the health benefits of barberry.
3. Bilberry May Help Improve Your Heart’s Health
Bilberry is a good source of vitamin K. And vitamin K is great in preventing the formation of blood clots that may reduce the risks of heart attacks and strokes.
Several studies suggest that bilberry can help with reducing blood pressure levels, reducing bad cholesterol levels, and improving good cholesterol levels which are needed to keep your heart healthy.
4. Is Good For Your Skin
Foods rich in antioxidants are always good for your skin. This includes bilberry.
It can help reduce oxidative damage in your skin which can delay signs of aging like dark spots and wrinkles.
Furthermore, the nutrients found in bilberry are useful in preventing the breakout of acne.
5. Bilberry Contains Antioxidants
Bilberry contains plant compounds that act as antioxidants in your body.
Antioxidants protect your body from damages and diseases caused by oxidative stress in your cells.
In this study (The total antioxidant content of more than 3100 foods), dried bilberries were found to contain good amounts of antioxidants.
Some notable antioxidants in bilberry are anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and vitamin C.
6. May Help Protect Your Liver
The antioxidants in bilberry extracts may help protect your liver by preventing oxidative stress that can cause liver damage.
This can help decrease the concentration of nitric oxide in liver tissues and optimize the effects of glutathione and vitamin C.
7. Bilberry May Help Improve Brain Functions
To be more specific, bilberry may be able to help in improving memory. You can read more about it in this study (Maintenance of Episodic and Working Memory in Older Adults).
It is also considered that it may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
This is because bilberry contains phenolic acids that are linked to a reduced risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
8. May Help Protect Your Kidneys
Some studies suggest that bilberry extracts help improve creatinine levels, serum blood urea nitrogen, and nitric oxide.
This is because of the antioxidants present in this shrub.
One study that backs this up is on “Protective effects of bilberry.”
It’s also helpful with urinary tract infections similar to cranberry.
9. Bilberry May Help With Eye Health
Although more studies are required, different studies suggest bilberry can help improve vision.
This study (Anthocyanosides of Vaccinium myrtillus (bilberry) for night vision) suggests that it can help with night vision.
In another study (Ginkgo biloba extract and bilberry anthocyanins improve visual function), bilberry with Ginkgo Biloba was helpful to subjects who have glaucoma. The test was compared to a placebo group.
Bilberry extracts can also help with eye fatigue according to “Bilberry extract supplementation for preventing eye fatigue.”
10. May Have Antibacterial Qualities
Studies have shown that bilberry has positive effects against Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus.
You can read more about these on “novel tools against human pathogens” and “The action of berry phenolics.”
11. Bilberry May Have Anti-inflammatory Qualities
Bilberry may help fight inflammations.
This is because it contains anthocyanins which is an antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory qualities. If you need more information, you can read this article (Chapter 4 on Bilberry).
12. May Help Improve Oral Care
Because bilberry has anti-inflammatory qualities, consuming it can help control gingivitis or gum inflammation.
You read more about it on “Consumption of Bilberries Controls Gingival Inflammation.”
13. Bilberry May Help Reduce Blood Sugar Levels
According to herbalists, bilberry is suggested to help improve glycemic control.
More details can be read on “What do herbalists suggest to diabetic patients in order to improve glycemic control?”
Some studies suggest that berries like bilberry have the same effect compared to blood-sugar-lowering medications. It can prevent or slow down the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates in your gut.
14. May Help With Digestive Health
Bilberry has anti-inflammatory qualities and reducing inflammation in your gut can help prevent digestive disorders.
Some of these conditions are diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea.
Conclusion
These are just some of the health benefits of bilberry.
I like cranberries and blueberries but I don’t know if I’ve already tried bilberries.
But for its health benefits, since it has anti-inflammatory qualities, this will be my favorite.
Which one on the list is your favorite health benefit of bilberry?
Although it’s relatively safe to eat bilberry, please talk it over first with your doctor or medical professional if you’re allowed to consume them.
Also, don’t forget to share this article with your friends and relatives.
Thank you!