What Does Bilberry Do for the Eyes?

Bilberries, more commonly known in the United States as huckleberries, are the European relative to the blueberry and the cranberry. Used medicinally since the 1600s, this fruit has been used to treat a myriad of illnesses, such as scurvy, urinary tract infections and digestive problems, just to name a few.

What is most amazing about this little-known fruit is its amazing ability to protect and enhance eye vision. The consumption of bilberries and their extract has been shown to improve daytime and nighttime vision, as well as prevent or help particular eye conditions.

History

• The amazing discovery of the effects of bilberry consumption on the eyes was first noticed during World War II. Eating bilberry jam before flying their nighttime aircraft missions, British Royal Air Force pilots noticed that when they followed this ritual, they were able to see more clearly even on the darkest of nights.

Benefits

• Research has since expounded upon what these pilots discovered long ago. It has been confirmed that bilberry does improve visual acuity in healthy individuals, as well as improve vision in patients who have glaucoma, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration.

  Clinical studies have shown that in combining 160mg of bilberry extract with 8 oz. blueberries in combination with gingko biloba and zinc can help to halt vision loss altogether.

How It Works

• Night vision is improved because the anthocyanidins found in bilberries boost the production of a pigment that helps the eyes to adapt to lighting changes. These anthocyanidins contain amazing properties. They provide 50 times the antioxidant power of Vitamin E and 10 times the antioxidant power of Vitamin C. Due to these high antioxidant levels, capillary walls are kept strong and flexible. Although there are few studies to support it, bilberry extract has been suggested as a treatment for retinal damage as it contains bioflavonoids, which aid in removing toxic chemicals from the eye.

Additional Health Benefits

• Anthocyanidins found in bilberries can also help lower blood pressure, increase blood supply to the nervous system and help improve brain function. These high antioxidant levels provide effective anti-aging and cancer-fighting properties, as well. Tannins found in bilberries have anti-inflammatory properties, which is one reason why bilberries can also be ingested to control diarrhea, even in children over the age of 2.

How to Take It

• As searching for a market that sells fresh bilberries may be a daunting task, an easier way to experience its benefits is to take a supplement of bilberry extract. Look for a 25 percent anthocyanidin ratio to gain the full effects.

  Another option is to drink bilberry tea. However you decide to take bilberry, it is always best to check with your doctor to make sure that you aren't taking any medications that may not interact well with bilberry. For most people, consuming bilberry or its extract will not cause any undesirable side effects.