Benefits of Bilberry
Bilberry Health(For the benefits of bilberry, scroll down)Bilberry Plants: Perennial shrubs native to Northern Europe that grow to about 16 inches. They have oval leaves and small pink and white flowers.
Common names: huckleberry Bilberries closely relate to N. American wild and cultivated blueberries. Look at the color of the fruit meat to tell the difference. Bilberries have red or purple fruit meat while blueberries have light green. You can eat bilberries fresh or use them for jams, juices, and pies. Bilberry Health Benefits
In medieval times, people ate bilberries mixed with honey to relieve diarrhea and menstrual cramps. Recently, an expert herbal remedies panel (Commission E) in Germany endorsed bilberry as an effective diarrhea treatment.Herbalists in Europe also use it to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones. However, modern bilberry research mainly focuses on the high concentration of flavonoids called anthocyanosides. These chemicals show remarkable antioxidant qualities. They neutralize “free radicals”. Antioxidants help prevent illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and flu. The benefits of bilberry also include vitamin C and vitamin D. Bilberry Information: Anthocyanosides They maintain the strength and integrity of circulation by protecting against platelet clogging and oxidizing agents in the blood. And they reduce the damage to blood vessels by diabetes and atherosclerosis. In Europe, bilberry is often prescribed to treat varicose veins since it reinforces the cell structure in veins. Bilberry contains a rich supply of tannins too, which act as an astringent, anti-septic, and anti-inflammatory. For painful mouth ulcers, instead of gargling with warm salt water, try eating fresh or dried bilberries. Bilberry Extract for Eyesight – learn what bilberry does for your eyes, an interesting study, and an interesting historical fact. Dangers of Bilberry – side-effects and drug interactions. Bilberries in the Kitchen Sure, eating them fresh, a handful at at time, is easiest. But making bilberry tea is almost as easy. You just need dried whole berries or crushed berries. All you do is pour boiling water over the berries and let steep for 5 minutes. This way you can enjoy bilberries even out of season---like on a cold winter day. Do you eat toast for breakfast? Buy bilberry jam. Do you like to bake? Make a bilberry pie, cobbler, or muffins.
The Power of Eating Berries Tested Iris Erlund of the National Public Health Institute in Helsinki, Finland recently (Feb 2008) conducted a two month study of berries' effect on heart health. The researchers concluded: "In conclusion, we found favorable changes in platelet function, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol after the consumption of berries for two months." The test group consisted of 72 middle-aged people. They were given 100 grams of whole bilberries and 50 grams of lingonberry nectar every other day. On the other days, they received 100 grams of blackcurrants or strawberries and raspberry juice. Take Bilberry Extract Supplements? The extract form of bilberry is the most potent. It contains the highest percentage of anthocyanosides. Bilberry extract should be standardized to contain 25 % anthocyanidin. Check for this on the label. Adulterated Bilberry Extracts - article about how the industry is dealing with lower-priced bilberry extract containing mulberry or black bean skins. Pregnant and nursing women should not take bilberry extract. And if you take prescription medication or over-the-counter drugs, consult your doctor about possible negative interactions with bilberry.
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In late summer, its dark purple berries ripen. Bilberry fruit looks and tastes much like the American blueberry. 
