Juicing For Health - Bilberry
Name
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) also known as european blueberry, whortleberry, huckleberry and night vision.
Parts Used
Entire Plant.
Information
Bilberry is closely related to American Blueberry. The fruits can be eaten fresh or made into jams, fools, juices or pies. Research discovered that bilberries contain two compounds known as anthocyanosides and tannins which are thought to attribute to some of the benefits assosiated with the fruit.
Traditionally bilberry fruit was used in the treatment of diarrhea, varicose veins, dysentary, scurvy, urinary tract antiseptic, supports and strengthens collagen structures, heart disease, diabetes, strengthen connective tissue, and night blindness.
Benefits
- Antioxident
- Atherosclerosis
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea and Wounds
- Vision
Bilberry is a rich source of chemicals known as anthocyanosides, which have excellent antioxident properties. Anthocyanosides improve blood circulation throughout the body by strengthening blood vessels. They also prevent blood platelets from clumping together which helps reduce heart disease.
Anthocyanosides are said to strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, and prevent the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, a major risk factor for atherosclerosis (plaque that blocks blood vessels, leading to heart attack and stroke).
Bilberry leaves have traditionally been used to control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. It is thought that bilberry lowers blood sugar levels.
Bilberry contains high content of tannins which are substances that act as both an anti-inflammatory and an astringent. Bilberry is believed to help people with diarrhea by reducing intestinal inflammation.
Bilberry contains Anthocyanosides which have been said to be beneficial to those with vision problems. Bilberry may also benefit cataract, glaucoma patients and has also been suggested as a treatment for retinopathy (damage to the retina) because anthocyanosides appear to help protect the retina. Research seems to be mixed on these findings.
Side Effects/Precautions
Bilberry fruit is generally considered safe. However, high doses of bilberry leaf or leaf extract are considered unsafe due to possible toxic side effects.
Bilberry possesses anti-platelet activity there may be an increased risk of bleeding if you take bilberry with blood-thinning medication, including aspirin.
It is best not to take bilberry if you are on diabetes medication, bilberry appears to lower the blood sugar so may increase the effects of the medication.
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