Do you think blueberries and bilberry are one and the same? Well, you couldn’t be further from the truth. Bilberry is a fruit related to the American blueberries. It is commonly called the European blueberry because the fruit is native to Europe’s mountainous regions. The fruit differs from regular blueberries, with its smaller size and wrinkled black skin. The fruit is used in a variety of ways in the kitchen, for pies, cakes, and other sweets.

Above all, bilberry comes with a host of health benefits. Would you like to know what they are? Keep reading!

1. Fix Gastrointestinal Problems:

Bilberries are packed with tannins that reduce the swelling of the intestines, and their astringent content tightens tissues. The fruit helps subdue the problem of diarrhea and has been used for this purpose for centuries (1). Studies also state that the fruit can cure stomach ulcers.

2. Beneficial In Treating Diabetes And High Blood Pressure:

The damage caused to the retina in the eye by high levels of blood sugar and blood pressure is usually irreversible. However, it can be improved to a certain degree with bilberries. The berries control blood sugar levels in people, who have high blood pressure, and they also maintain normal sugar levels in diabetics (2).

3. Battle Infections:

Eating bilberries can fight certain types of infections in the body. The fruit has antimicrobial properties that aid in this process. Bilberries have properties that can even defend the body against illnesses, like salmonella and staph infections.

4. Circulatory Improvements:

Chronic venous insufficiency develops when the valves of the veins in the legs or lower extremities of the body get damaged and cannot deliver blood to the heart as efficiently as before. Ingesting bilberries aids those with this condition and promotes flexibility and viability of capillaries. Varicose veins can be treated the same way; bilberries reduce the swelling, cramps and heaviness of the veins.

5. Prevent Clots:

The anthocyanosides in bilberries may have the power to prevent clotting of blood in the vessels (3). The clustering of platelets and the build-up of plaque from bad cholesterol is reduced by the healthy chemicals in this fruit. This, in turn, prevents life-threatening diseases like strokes and heart attacks.

6. Sharpen Memory:

Lab research on mice has shown that bilberries can improve short-term memory significantly. Also, those who maintain a vegetarian diet are less likely to develop degenerative disorders. This has given hope that bilberry could be used to prevent degenerative diseases like the Alzheimer’s.

7. Cancer Prevention:

Cancer is a rampant disease that claims the lives of many. Bilberry studies have derived remarkable outcomes in this field. Anthocyanosides possess the strength to stall cancer cell activity. The fruit extracts have the ability to prevent the growth of leukemia and colon cancer cells in humans.

8. Antioxidative Properties:

Bilberries carry out tremendous anti-oxidative activities (4). They prevent cell damage and make capillaries more resilient. They also help to increase blood flow, and red blood cells can reshape to pass through the narrow capillaries. Bilberry can destroy free radicals that cause oxidative stress in the body.

9. Improve Eye Sight:

The existence of Rhodopsin in bilberries makes it an eye-friendly fruit. It is believed bilberry may be useful in boosting eyesight and preventing common eye problems like cataract, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

10. Treats UTIs:

Bilberries are related to cranberries, which are often touted as fruits that can help with kidney and urinary problems. Hence, it is believed bilberry too may have the same effect on the body, especially when it comes to urinary tract infections. Also, bilberries have many anti-microbial properties that many believe can combat infections.

Side Effects Of Bilberry:

While bilberry has many benefits, you also should be aware of a few of its side effects.

• The effect of prescription medicines or any other drug may be countered by the fruit’s chemicals if taken as a continuous supplement on a long-term basis.
• An upset stomach may also result from frequent ingestion of bilberries.
• Headaches, dizziness or drowsiness are some of the other side effects.
• Some people could be allergic to bilberry and could experience an adverse allergic reaction.
• Affect the ability to form clots, thereby risking internal bleeding.
• May bring blood sugar to dangerously low levels.

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by Renold Rajan via STYLECRAZE