Little-known berry shows promise for eye health and beyond

(NaturalHealth365)  Nestled in the forests of Europe and North America lies a tiny berry with outsized health benefits.  The bilberry, a close cousin of the blueberry, is emerging as a nutritional powerhouse that could revolutionize our approach to wellness and disease prevention.

Often overlooked in favor of more common foods, this small, dark fruit packs a powerful punch when it comes to health benefits.  Recent studies have uncovered a treasure trove of potential advantages, from boosting metabolism to safeguarding vision and even combating chronic diseases.

Promising research: Bilberry extract and fish oil for severe dry eye relief

This study investigated the effects of a dietary supplement containing bilberry extract and fish oil on severe dry eye symptoms.  The research involved 24 subjects with severe dry eye symptoms, split evenly into intervention and control groups.  The intervention group took a daily supplement containing 600 mg bilberry extract and 240 mg DHA-refined fish oil for 3 months, while the control group did not take any supplements.

The study used several measurements to assess eye health:

1. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) score: A questionnaire that measures how much discomfort a person experiences from dry eyes.
2. Non-invasive tear break-up time (NITBUT):  A test that shows how quickly the tear film on the eye’s surface starts to break up, indicating how stable and effective the tears are.
3. Phenol red thread test (PRT):  A simple way to measure how much moisture the eye produces.
4. Percentage of meibomian gland openings:  This checks the health of glands that produce oils essential for preventing tear evaporation.

These tests together provide a comprehensive picture of eye health and the severity of dry eye symptoms.

After 3 months, the intervention group showed improvements in all outcome measures.  Compared to the control group, there were significant improvements in OSDI score, NITBUT, and PRT.  Notably, these improvements were consistent across different age groups, including both younger adults and middle-aged participants.  The study suggests that dietary supplementation with bilberry extract and fish oil may improve both signs and symptoms of severe dry eyes, regardless of age.

From eye health to cancer prevention

The benefits of bilberries extend far beyond eye health.  Emerging research indicates that these potent berries may play a role in supporting overall cardiovascular health.  Some studies have shown that bilberry consumption may help decrease cholesterol levels, particularly LDL cholesterol, while increasing HDL cholesterol.  This effect, combined with the berries’ potential to improve blood vessel function, makes them a promising natural ally in the fight against heart disease.

Furthermore, bilberries show promise in blood sugar management, making them of particular interest to those at risk of or living with diabetes.  The berries appear to have a positive effect on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, potentially helping to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Bilberries’ anti-inflammatory properties also make them a subject of interest in cognitive health research.  Some scientists believe that regular consumption of these berries might help protect against age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, though more research is needed in this area.

As if these benefits weren’t enough, bilberries are also being studied for their potential anti-cancer properties.  The high levels of antioxidants in these berries may help protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer, and some laboratory studies have shown promising results in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.

While more research is needed to fully understand the extent of bilberries’ health benefits, the existing evidence paints a picture of a truly remarkable fruit.  From supporting eye health to potentially fighting chronic diseases, these tiny berries pack a powerful punch when it comes to promoting overall wellness.  As research continues, it’s likely that we’ll uncover even more reasons to add this superfruit to our diets.

Harness the power of bilberries in your diet

Incorporating bilberries into your diet can be both easy and delicious:

1. Brew bilberry tea for a traditional remedy
2. Add fresh or frozen bilberries to smoothies
3. Consume bilberry extract supplements
4. Enjoy handfuls of whole bilberries as a snack

Whether you opt for fresh berries, supplements, or extracts, adding bilberries to your diet could be a simple yet powerful step towards better health.  As always, consult with a holistic healthcare professional before starting any new supplement routine, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Sources for this article include:

NIH.gov
NIH.gov
Lifeextension.com

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