The bilberry fruit is a lesser known berry than the other berries in comparison, but its health benefits are in no way less. Read the following article to know more about the several bilberry benefits.
The bilberry fruit is a native berry to the European continent, but is found in parts of Asia and certain regions of North America as well. It is closely linked to the other berries like the cranberry, blueberry and the huckleberry, but mostly resembles the American blueberry in taste and color. The bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) plant grows into a small shrub of about 16 inches and bears fruit during summer. The berries then bloom around late summer and are a dark shade of purple. The bilberry fruit has several benefits and is a great choice to make for overall health. Let’s look at some of these benefits.
Strengthens Vision
Bilberry helps in improving one’s vision and helps to prevent the onset of other eye problems. This is possible because it contains active compounds called anthocyanosides which help in preventing problems like cataract, poor night vision, and glaucoma. It also decreases the rate of macular degeneration.
Digestive Health
One of the major benefits of bilberry is that it helps in combating stomach and digestion problems and therefore promotes digestive health. It has been a known fact that the consumption of the bilberry fruit helps to combat problems of diarrhea, indigestion, and dysentery; along with other stomach problems, infections, and diseases.
Strengthens Immunity
Bilberries have a high content of antioxidants that help to fight the free radicals of the body. By doing this they help the process of oxidization in the body and strengthen the immune system. The direct result of which is that a person is not affected by the common cough, colds, and infections as often.
Strengthens Blood
There are several flavonoids found in the bilberry fruit. These flavonoids are responsible for thinning the blood and thereby preventing fragility of the capillaries (thereby promoting heart health). Along with that it also treats several blood and vascular disorders like angina and varicose veins.
Promotes Women’s Health
Bilberries are also responsible for preventing and easing menstruation cramps in women. Along with that, regular consumption of the bilberry fruit helps to treat the onset of ulcers and preventing fibrocystic breast disease. It is therefore a great choice to make for overall women’s health.
Anti-inflammatory Properties
The bilberry fruit has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in the recovery from any burn or wound. It also helps to clear the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and throat.
Improves Heart Health
Bilberry consumption helps prevent the onset of low and high blood pressure. It also improves the supply of blood to the nerves and helps in the purification of blood. It also helps to treat and prevent diabetes from setting in.
Other Benefits
- It is used in making jams and preserves along with wines and liqueurs.
- It is used for the treatment of sore and strep throats.
- It combats skin ulcers, itching, and numbness.
- Bilberry contains active tannins which help to stop excess bleeding. This is possible due to its astringent properties.
- Bilberry tea is also quite popular and is said to prevent many health disorders.
There are several bilberry benefits as is clear from the above article. Just buy a bunch of bilberries while the summer’s in full swing and munch on them as a healthy snack.