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Bilberry Plant
Bilberry, or Vaccinium myrtillus, is a low-growing shrub in the Ericaceae family. There are several different species in the Vaccinium genus, with myrtillus being the most common. The bilberry plant is native to northern Europe, and is closely related to its North American cousin, the blueberry.
Other names for bilberry include whortleberry, winberry, and myrtle blueberry. Bilberry grows in poor, acidic soil in temperate and subarctic regions around the world. It is extremely difficult to cultivate, therefore bilberries are usually wild-harvested.
Bilberries are purplish-black, and softer, smaller, and juicier than blueberries. Their dark color is a result of a high concentration of anthocyanins found in the berries.
In Finland, bilberries can be found in jams and pies. In Poland, where they are called jagody, they are a popular filling for sweet buns. And in France and Italy, bilberries are sometimes used as a base for liqueurs and to make sorbets.
Bilberry Benefits
During World War II, British fighter pilots ate bilberry jam prior to missions to improve their night vision. And, presumably, because it was also quite delicious.
The anthocyanins in bilberry have a positive effect on eye health by helping to prevent and combat retinopathy (retina damage), glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration – the most common cause of blindness in people over age 55. Anthocyanins benefit the eyes in three ways.
First, they improve the delivery of oxygen and blood to the eyes. Second, they provide powerful antioxidant protection against free radical damage from ultra-violet light. And third, they stabilize the blood vessel wall in the macular region, thereby reducing the detrimental effects of blood leaking into this area of the retina.
This 2010 study examined the protective effects of a bilberry extract on human corneal epithelial cells.[108] After treatment, the number of cells significantly increased, leading researchers to conclude that a “bilberry extract may be beneficial for the physiological renewal and homeostasis of corneal epithelial cells.”
Two other recent studies on the effects of bilberry produced similar results. One 2007 study showed that a bilberry extract reduced the effects of oxidative stress, and stimulated genes associated with eye health.[109] While another study conducted in 2012 discovered that a bilberry extract reduced inflammation in the retina, leading researchers to conclude:
Our findings indicate that anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract has a protective effect on visual function.[110]
While many of bilberry’s eye benefits stem from its high concentration of anthocyanins, two carotenoids, known as lutein and zeaxanthin, also provide a ridiculous array of health benefits for your eyes.
Bilberry benefits extend beyond eye health and include …
- Strengthening blood vessels
- Stabilizing collagen tissue
- Lowering blood pressure
- Improving circulation
- Improving cardiovascular health
- Reducing varicose veins
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