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What Is Bilberry?
The bilberry [1] is native to Europe and belongs to the family Ericaceae. It’s very similar in size and color to the blueberry. It’s variously known as European blueberry, whortleberry, blueberry, and huckleberry. The bilberry is a yummy fruit that can be consumed as a juice or fresh and is a great ingredient in a lot of desserts such as pies, tarts, crepes, and jams. Besides, it also consists of a number of helpful chemicals making it a wonderful natural treatment for many beauty and health issues. Some of these chemicals consist of tannins, anthocyanosides, and flavonoids. The leaves and fruit (both dried and fresh) have been used widely for centuries in various types of herbal medicines. Now, we, Effectiveremedies.com will reveal you top 27 beauty and health benefits of bilberry. Let’s check out!
What Are The Beauty & Health Benefits Of Bilberry & Its Uses
According to a study, bilberry is rich in beneficial properties such as anti-inflammatory, collagen stabilizing, antioxidant, and astringent, which have a profound and positive impact on human health, disease and performance [2]. Besides, this fruit actually helps to improve night vision. Plus, it reverses or inhibits macular degeneration which can aid in treating cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal disorders. Apart from that, bilberry can be used for many of other conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), diarrhea, gastrointestinal disorders, kidney problems, hemorrhoids, skin infections, urinary tract infection (UTI), weight loss, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, osteoarthritis, sore throat, gout, cardiovascular disease, varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, etc.
1. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Treat Diabetes
Both the leaf and berry extract have the ability to reduce the levels of blood sugar in diabetic patients. A clinical trial showed that the bilberry extract brought down the levels of blood glucose successfully with no adverse effects [3].
See more: Effective and natural home remedies for diabetes
2. Fight Against Menstrual Problems
Bilberry can effectively help with irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps and symptoms of PMS. To treat cramps, nausea, vomiting, headache as well as other discomforts related to menstruation, you should eat fresh bilberries and drink 1 cup of bilberry tea every day about 8 days.
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See more: Natural home remedies for menstrual cramps relief
3. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Treat Abdominal Disorders
This fruit composes of anthocyanins that can assist in exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. A study found that consuming bilberries decreases bowel movement frequency [4].
4. Deal With Cancer
Bilberries help to prevent any damage caused due to free radicals, thus reducing the risk of cancer. This is because this fruit contains antioxidant properties. A study supported the use of bilberry as an anticancer remedy [5].
5. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Treat Diarrhea And Stomach Problems
Being rich in tannins and pectin, bilberry can aid with diarrhea, irritable bowel movement, and upset stomach. Pectin works as a soluble fiber and creates a thick gel adding bulk to the stool while the astringent ability of tannins aid in decreasing the inflammation in the intestines. A simple treatment for diarrhea is eating about 3 tablespoons of dried Bilberries one time daily for 3 days. You can also consume 1 cup of bilberry tea for 3 to 4 days to treat diarrhea, flatulence, bloating and soothe the upset stomach.
See more: Best natural home remedies for diarrhea in adults
6. Treat Oral & Dental Infections
Generally, the anthocyanins contain strong anti-aggregation potential that inhibits the growth and development of bacteria, thereby contributing to oral hygiene. Consuming bilberry juice or tea regularly is believed to decrease swelling and infection in the mouth. According to a study, drinking the bilberry juice can prevent the activity of bacteria causing dental infection [6].
7. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Treat Pneumonia
Basically, the berry extract has the ability to eliminate respiratory tract infections. A clinical study found that the bilberry juice or extract helped to inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for pneumonia [7].
See more: Natural home remedies for pneumonia in adults & children
8. Reduce High Cholesterol
Bilberry is enriched with dietary fibers, anthocyanins, and polyphenols, which help to prevent high blood cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia and minimize the chance of heart disorders in adults. A diet high in bilberry can reduce the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, but not high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, according to an animal study [8].
9. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Lower Blood Pressure
High blood pressure or hypertension is an adverse effect of obesity. A 2014 study on obese mice indicated that consuming bilberry may keep the blood pressure levels in control and soothe the associated health problems [9]. For this treatment, you can eat 200 to 300 g of fresh bilberry daily. Alternatively, take 1 capsule of Bilberry extract with 25 percent or more anthocyanins daily.
See more: Natural home remedies for high blood pressure control
10. Treat A Sore Throat
You can use bilberry to ease the discomfort caused due to a sore throat. For this remedy, you should chew on several dried bilberries for 4 times daily. Alternatively, you can also gargle with bilberry tea 3-4 times every day. Make bilberry tea by boiling 1 to 2 tsp. of mashed bilberry for around 5 minutes. Leave it to cool down and use it for gargling.
See more: Best natural home remedies for sore throat pain
11. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Cure Swollen Ears
Basically, ear infection results in internal accumulation of fluid & edema causing intolerable pain and inflammation. According to a 2014 study, Bilberry extract can inhibit liver inflammation provoked due to P. acnes plus LPS and croton oil-induced ear edema [10].
12. Treat Kidney Damage
Generally speaking, non-prescribed medications and certain food additives can result in progressive loss of kidney function. An animal study proved the positive impact of the Bilberry extract on damaged kidneys [11].
See more: How to prevent kidney stones from forming naturally
13. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Deal With Vision Problems
Bilberry comes with anthocyanosides which can aid in treating diseases of the retina. Besides, anthocyanosides can also improve blood circulation & the integrity of blood vessels in order to maintain connective tissues in the eyes which can aid with macular degeneration, glaucoma, and other retinal & vision problems. A laboratory study found that the Bilberry extract showed protective impacts on damaged retinas [12]. Simply, taking 1 capsule of Bilberry extract or eating 20 to 60 g of fresh ripe bilberry may aid with vision impairment as well as other eye problems, especially those caused due to hypertension or diabetes.
14. Protect Cardiovascular Health
Studies indicate that flavonoids (anthocyanins) present in Bilberry may help to inhibit the oxidation of bad “LDL” (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Besides, it also helps to improve Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) and overall cardiovascular health by improving blood circulation and strengthening blood vessels in the body. For this purpose, take a capsule of Bilberry extract every day for about one month or include 20 to 60 g of fresh organic Bilberry fruit in your diet each day. Alternatively, drink 1 cup of Bilberry tea daily. To make the tea, you boil 1-2 tablespoons of crushed Bilberries for a gap of 5 and 7 minutes and then strain it into a cup prior to drinking.
15. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Aid In Weight Loss
A recent study shows that if you are struggling to reduce weight, eating 400 g of fresh bilberries every day for five weeks may help [13]. Besides, you need to follow a healthy diet along with a good workout routine to remain a healthy weight.
See more: Best natural home remedies for weight loss fast
16. Protect The Liver
The antioxidants present in bilberry may aid in preventing oxidative damage to your liver and healing the damages already caused. Besides, this fruit is loaded with glutathione and vitamin C which promote better liver health & healing by reducing the concentration of nitric oxide in the liver cells.
17. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Reduce The Risk Of Alzheimer’s Disease
Studies show that bilberries can be effective in reducing the chance of Alzheimer’s disease in elderly. Particularly, anthocyanins such as myricetin and quercetin have been found to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s remarkably, as bilberries are loaded with anthocyanins hence they help to decrease the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. According to a study, the chance of Alzheimer’s disease was treated with myricetin or quercetin extracts that are found in bilberry [14].
18. Treat UTI
Bilberries are one of the ideal home remedies for curing Urinal Tract Infection. This fruit not only kills the infection causing microbes but also reduces the irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract. Along with that, it helps to heal and relieve the discomfort of UTI.
See more: Natural home remedies for UTI relief in children & adults
19. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Treat Skin Allergies
Frequent exposure to the UV rays may trigger oxidative stress, which causes the destruction of skin cells. Topical application of Bilberry extract can alleviate chronic skin allergic conditions including eczema, dermatitis, and pruritus. According to a study, anthocyanins present in bilberry might be useful for treating chronic pruritus that can occur in people with inflammatory skin ailments such as atopic dermatitis [15].
20. Lower The Risk Of Colon Cancer
Bilberries come with a beneficial substance named pterostilbene, which can aid in reducing the chance of colon cancer. Some studies on rats showed that there is a close relationship between the consumption of bilberry and reduction in the chance of colon cancer.
21. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Treat Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Typically, bilberry extract has the capacity to fight chronic venous insufficiency effectively. According to a study, the bilberry can improve the chronic venous insufficiency symptoms.
22. Protect The Skin
Bilberries can help to enhance the feel, look, and overall beauty of the skin. Being packed with resveratrol and quercetin, they are great anti-aging properties. Its antioxidant properties also help to protect the skin from free radicals damage. It is likewise full of vitamins B, C & E, all of which help to nourish the skin. Along with that, it can also treat various skin problems such as varicose veins & skin ulcers.
23. Beauty & Health Benefits Of Bilberry- Prevent Acne Breakouts
Acne breakouts can be prevented by the intake of bilberry. Bilberry is enriched with fiber, zinc, vitamins A, B, C, E, and K, which are absorbed into your skin deeply, thus making the skin healthy and nourished.
See more: Foods that cause acne breakouts in adults
24. Remove Blackheads
Frankly speaking, blackheads on the nose or any area of the skin may lose your confidence. Thankfully, bilberry can help to eliminate blackheads on the skin. Simply, crush some fresh bilberries and then apply to the affected skin.
See more: Natural home remedies for blackheads on face & body fast
25. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Treat Hair Loss
Hair loss is mainly caused due to the weakness & inflammation of the hair follicles. Thankfully, the use of bilberry may treat inflammation and strengthen hair follicles, thereby treating hair loss. You need to apply and massage the hair & scalp well when using bilberry extract for the treatment of hair loss.
See more: Natural home remedies for hair fall control & treatment
26. Soothe The Agitated Scalp
Bilberries are an ideal remedy for an agitated scalp thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties. The bilberry extract helps to enhance the micro capillary circulation and boost the collagen production in the hair. This fruit also acts a great moisturizer and exfoliant. Besides, it also aids in nourishing the scalp and soothing an irritated inflamed scalp altogether.
27. Health Benefits Of Bilberry – Works As A Natural Cosmetic Ingredient
Typically, the extract of bilberry leaves and fruits is a popular and common ingredient that is used for cosmetic products. The bilberry extract works as a skin-conditioning property that helps to nourish the skin and increase its vitality too. The most common cosmetic products containing natural bilberry extract include facial creams, makeup, and lotions.
What Are The Side Effects Of Bilberry?
Generally, the fresh and dried bilberry fruit is safe when used in moderation. It isn’t recommended to use bilberry in high doses for more than one year. Some people might experience allergic reactions and abdominal discomfort. Overconsumption of the extract of bilberry leaves must be avoided because it might cause some adverse effects. Bilberry might affect the levels of blood glucose. This can obstruct blood sugar control after and during surgery. Thus, before a scheduled surgery, stop taking bilberry a minimum of two weeks. For patients with blood clotting disorder, it is best to consult a physician prior to consuming the herb. Also, this herb is not recommended for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers.
How & Where To Buy Bilberry?
You can easily buy bilberry in the dried or fresh form in many natural food stores. You can also purchase the bilberry tea and extract in herbal food stores. Remember to buy the Bilberry extract, containing at least 25 percent of anthocyanins ingredient.
If you want to know more other useful articles, then visit our Superfoods homepage. How did bilberry work for your body? Do you know other beauty & health benefits of bilberry we have not covered in this article? Share any view or experience you have with us in the comments box below!
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