Besides being particularly beneficial to eye health, bilberry has traditionally been used to treat diarrhea, varicose veins, mucous membrane inflammation, and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).

Bilberry is a perennial shrub found in various climates in damp woodlands. Bilberry has been used as a medicinal herb since the 16th century. The blue-purple pigments typical of this family are due to the flavonoid anthocyanin. With their potent antioxidant activity, anthocyanins protect body tissues, particularly blood vessels, from oxidising agents circulating in the blood.

Good for vision health

Numerous studies conducted in Europe have documented that bilberry extracts can improve night time visual acuity, reduce eyestrain, and promote quicker adjustment to darkness. These beneficial effects on eye health appear to be linked to the high concentration of anthocyanin present in bilberries. Anthocyanosides support and protect collagen structures in the blood vessels of the eyes, assuring strong, healthy capillaries that carry vital nutrients to eye muscles and nerves.

Bilberry also contains Vitamins A and C, providing antioxidant protection which can help prevent free radical damage to the eyes. Vitamin A is required for sharp vision, while Vitamin C helps form collagen and is needed for growth and repair of tissue cells and blood vessels.

Highly recommended for Diabetic Patient

Two common complications of diabetes, diabetic eye disease (retinopathy) and kidney disease (nephropathy), often begin when the tiny capillaries of these organs are injured by the presence of excessive sugar. Antioxidants of bilberries allow these harmful oxidising agents to bind to them instead of to body cells, preventing the agents from causing permanent damage to the lining of blood vessels.

Bilberry Extract is actually recognised in Europe in preventing diabetic retinopathy, which is a disease of the eye due to severe diabetic complication that could lead to blindness. In a double-blind study, 14 diabetic patients were supplemented with a bilberry extract standardised to contain 115 mg of anthocyanosides daily for one month (Perossini et al, 1987). After one month, significant improvements were observed in the opthalmoscopic parameters of 11 patients, and 12 patients showed improvement in angiographic parameters.

Beneficial in improving blood disorders

Thus, the study also evidenced that bilberry can also be used in connection with vascular and blood disorders, and shows positive results when treating varicose veins, thrombosis, and angina. The fruit contains flavonoids and anthocyanin, which serve to stop capillary weakness, thin the blood, and stimulate the release of vasodilators. Anthocyanin, a natural antioxidant, also lowers blood pressure, reduces clotting and improves blood supply to the nervous system.

One of the greatest beauty foods

Bilberries are also great for prevention of wrinkles, cellulite and pre-mature aging of the skin as these little antioxidant powerhouses contribute the health of the collagen matrix by neutralising enzymes that destroy connective tissue and by scavenging free radicals. The anthocyanins and other antioxidants in bilberries may also make bruises heal faster and reduce the risk of varicose veins.

Other benefits

Commission E, an expert panel that evaluates herbal medicines in Germany, endorses bilberry as a treatment for diarrhea and mouth sores as it is thought to have strong antiseptic qualities, and initial studies indicate that it may be an effective treatment for peptic ulcers as well. Bilberry has also been used traditionally in the treatment of diabetes, fibrocystic breast disease and painful menstruation.

Get the wholesome benefits of bilberry from GREENLEX I-COMPLEX

GREENLEX I-COMPLEX contains 80 mg of bilberry extract that is standardised to contain 25% anthocyanosides. The 25% anthocyanosides standard is destined for enhancing eye health by promoting blood flow to the eyes, protection from harmful UV light and strengthening the walls of blood capillaries in the eyes.

Diabetic patients may start by taking 3-4 capsules a day, then increase the amount to 5-6 after a week or so for the best results. The rest of us, 1-2 capsules a day should be sufficient to protect the eyes and enhance vision.