Bilberry Benefits: How Bilberries Help the Body

Names in other languages: Borůvka (Czech), Buisson (French), Arándano (Spanish)

Bilberry is a delicious fruit, indigenous to North America and known to grow abundantly in the high mountainous regions of Europe. This delectable fruit has been part of the human dietary system for centuries. Bilberries are popularly known as huckleberries in the United States and have much in common with the well known European variety of berries, such as blueberry and cranberry. This fruit grows on small deciduous bushes, that have ovate leaves, and produces bulbous rosy bell-shaped blooms, during the spring season. Bilberries have many excellent medicinal properties that are useful in treating a number of medical conditions. Most importantly, they have unparalleled positive effects on the human eyes as well as cardiovascular system. To know more about their nutritional facts and benefits, go through the sections below.

History
Bilberry has been very popular among European, as well as, Native American population, since historic times. However, written concrete proof of its use as a herbal medicine to induce menstruation was found in the Hildegard of Bingen’s recommendation in the 12th century. By 16th century, records show that the bilberries were being prescribed by various German herbalists for an array of ailments, such as bladder stones, liver disorders, and lung diseases. By the dawn of 18th century, many more medicinal uses of this fruit were discovered and about 200 years down the line, bilberries came to be used in teas and tonics, apart from regular desserts. During World War II, the benefecial effects of this fruit on human eyes was discovered by the British Royal Air Force pilots. They noticed that whenever they ate bilberries before a night flying mission, their vision improved tremendously.

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Health Benefits of Bilberries

1. Bilberries have been found to be a natural source of pterostilbene— a compound that is believed to be significant in the prevention of colon cancer.
2. Bilberries are quite rich in anthocyanins, because of which they are believed to provide strength to capillaries, which, in turn, help in the normal circulation of blood throughout body and keep the brain and eyes fresh.
3. Anthocyanocides, present in bilberries, are useful in preventing heart diseases to a large extent.
4. As per some researches, bilberries have been proven useful in decreasing the possibilities of cataracts and macular degeneration.
5. The flavonoids and anthocyanins present in bilberries have strong anti-inflammatory properties that have been found helpful in controlling symptoms related to rheumatoid arthritis.
6. A bilberry is highly effective in various digestion-related issues. The bilberry tea provides great relief from nausea and stomach disorders, as it is known to sooth the digestive track.
7. The presence of generous amounts of glucoquinine in bilberry helps lower blood sugar levels. However, before using the bilberry supplement or any other processed form of the fruit, it is better to seek advice from a legal medical practitioner.
8. Bilberries have major antioxidants present in them, which help in improving the overall immune system of the body, along with the gift of longevity.
9. Besides, this fruit is exceptionally beneficial for the skin as it prevents acne breakouts due to the high concentration of a dietary fiber, known as pectin.

Bilberries Nutrition FactsTotal Weight: 100 g

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