subject: Bilberry Benefits [print this page] Bilberry Benefits Bilberry Benefits
Bilberries are dark berries similar to blueberries. They have health benefits for your whole body, but are especially good for the eyes. Bilberry has been used medicinally for centuries. The berries and the leaves are used to treat different conditions. You can take bilberry supplements or eat the berries fresh or in other foods.
Bilberry and Your Blood Vessels
Bilberry contains something called anthocyanosides. Anthocyanosides are powerful antioxidants which can strengthen your blood vessels, including the tiny capillaries in your eyes.
When the capillaries in your eyes become weak they can leak fluid, causing swelling of the macula and vision loss. If the capillaries are damaged enough to cause serious blood flow problems to the eye, the body responds by growing new, abnormal blood vessels (choroidal neovascularization) which can lead to permanent vision loss and blindness. Choroidal neovascularization can occur in diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and high myopia.
Bilberry improves circulation, including the blood flow to your eyes. This helps your eyes get the nourishment that they need to stay healthy.
Bilberry and Collagen
Bilberry can help maintain collagen in the eyes. Collagen is necessary to keep the lens of the eye healthy and helps to prevent the formation of cataracts. Collagen is also essential for the health of all of the eye structures. Maintaining healthy collagen in the eye can help prevent glaucoma by keeping the eyeball properly supported so that fluid drainage is not blocked.
Bilberry and Diabetes
As mentioned before, bilberry strengthens the capillaries in the eyes and can help protect against diabetic retinopathy. Most people with diabetes develop some level of retinopathy in their lifetime and it is a common cause of blindness. Some diabetics have reported reversal of diabetic retinopathy after taking bilberry.
Bilberry leaves contain chromium that can help keep your blood sugar under control. Blood sugar fluctuations are what damage the blood vessels in the eyes causing diabetic retinopathy.
Eye-healthy Vitamins
Bilberry is also rich in vitamins A and C, which are both good for your eyes. Vitamin A is critical to eye health and, although vitamin A deficiency is rare in the U.S., it is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children worldwide.
Bilberry for Everyday Eye Health and Vision
Bilberry can improve your night vision, reduce eye strain including computer eye strain, and eye fatigue. It can improve your vision even if you have healthy eyes. The beauty of bilberry is that it is a safe way to boost your overall health along with your vision.
