There is a flurry of fancy foods that have taken over the health and wellness industry. Bilberry is one of the latest names to reach the list of the industry’s favorite fruits. 

You might be thinking about whether it is another fancy food or it has some real health benefits.

Well, you can put your guard down as the health benefits of bilberry are acknowledged by experts. Packed with antioxidants called anthocyanins and polyphenols, bilberry has been used for many medical purposes like eye conditions and diabetes.

As a rich source of antioxidants, this amazing berry can curb inflammation and provide a protective shield against cardiovascular diseases, inflammatory bowel diseases, and age-related cognitive decline.

Read on to know more about this powerhouse of nutrients and its benefits for your health. 

What is bilberry?

Bilberry, also known as the European blueberry, is a small, round, and deep purple-coloured berry native to northern Europe. These berries look similar to North American blueberries. 

This is a low-growing shrub with splendid branches and pink blossoms. They are cultivated in Northern Asia, Europe, and North America and used in dishes like pies and jams. 

Fresh bilberries are rich in Alkaloids, carbonic acids, chromium, manganese, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, B1, B2, C, E, and K. 

What are the health benefits of bilberry?

Bilberry has been used in medicines since the middle ages. They are linked to many health benefits but we will talk about what scientists say about these amazing berries.

Now, let's take a look at the 10 health benefits of bilberry.

For heart health

Bilberry is rich in polyphenols and according to health experts consuming fruits and berries that have high levels of polyphenols may lower blood pressure. 

Moreover, a study has shown that anthocyanin-rich bilberry extracts can help lower bad cholesterol levels. Research has already linked high levels of bad cholesterol levels with several heart conditions. 

Another study, conducted on 35 people who took a mixture of different berries including bilberry daily, showed improved platelet function, good cholesterol levels, and blood pressure.

For Inflammation

Inflammation triggers many diseases and bilberry helps fight it. It is packed with anthocyanins, water-soluble pigments, and antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties.

A recent study confirmed that people who drank bilberry and red grape juice showed improvements in their inflammation symptoms. 

Another review indicated that fruits and berries lower cardiovascular risk factors. 

For eye health

Bilberry is beneficial for maintaining eye health. A 2015 study confirmed that consuming 480 mg of bilberry extract daily reduces the symptoms of eye fatigue like eye pain, discomfort, eye heaviness, etc.

Adding GoYNG TerraBerries can be immensely useful, as one dose (30 ml) of this deliciously nutritious supplement has the power of 480 mg of bilberry extract.  

Another study conducted on people with glaucoma, a condition that results in gradual loss of sight, showed daily consumption of bilberry improves visual functions. 

Researchers have also found that bilberry extracts reduce eye dryness and prevent eye fatigue in video display terminal workers.

For Diabetes

This amazing berry is effective in managing diabetes. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition revealed that anthocyanin-rich bilberry helps lower blood glucose levels and improves insulin sensitivity. 

The study also showed that bilberry lowers high blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes, too. 

Scientists believe this berry prevents the breakdown and absorption of carbs in your gut like some blood sugar lowering medicines.  

For cancer prevention

A group of researchers has found that blueberry extracts have cancer preventive capacity. Their research pointed out that this berry can suppress the growth of breast cancer cells. 

Another comparative study among different berries revealed that bilberry extracts are more potent in fighting cancer-causing cells. Experts also believe it may reduce the side effects of chemotherapy. 

For brain health

Bilberry can reduce the risk of cognitive disorders like dementia and Alzheimer's. because of the presence of antioxidants and vitamins present. specifically also bilberry can be used as brain booster supplement like Ginkgo Biloba. Besides, bilberry powder supplements can improve long-term and working memory in older adults. 

For Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory bowel disease that causes ulcers in your digestive tract. A 2016 study revealed that people suffering from this disease got relief after consuming a bilberry supplement. 

For Kidney

Bilberry’s antioxidant properties safeguard your kidneys' health. Scientists have already proven that its extracts help stabilise critical factors related to kidneys. 

For Gum health

Scientists have found that consuming a high amount of this berry reduces the symptoms of gingivitis, a common gum disease. 

For skin

According to dermatologist Savy Guthrie, This mini purple bomb of antioxidants save your skin from the damage created by free radicals. 

How to add bilberry to your diet

You can add bilberries to your diet in many ways. You can have fresh or dry bilberry. You can also try its juice. Adding them to youtube pancakes, muffins and pies is another way to have them. 

You can preserve them throughout the year by making their jam. But we would suggest you to get an excellent quality supplement that has this berry in it.

Nevertheless, getting fresh bilberries is a task in itself. It is native to Europe, Iceland, and northern Asia. Hence, getting them fresh in India is next to impossible and even if you chance upon them they are extremely expensive. This is the biggest reason why adding a supplement to your diet is the best way possible to have the benefits of this magical berry.

Teraberries by GoYNG is one such supplement that has 15 berries including bilberry, grapeseed, acai berry, cranberry, blackberry, gooseberry, raspberry, mulberry, dewberry, bayberry, bearberry, and many more. 

With GoYNG, you would get a supplement that uses untempered, pure bilberry extracts. And the best part is that GoYNG products are manufactured in a GMP, FSSAI, and ISO-certified facility. 

Are there any side effects of bilberry?

Consuming bilberry is considered safe.

But as per experts, bilberry leaves and extracts should be avoided in large quantities over an extended period of time. As it might lead to severe weight loss, muscle spasms, and even death. 

Also, those who have bleeding disorders should avoid this berry as it may increase their risk of bleeding.

Bilberry supplements may not be safe for kids and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Hence, they should take it after consulting with their health care providers. 

Finally, People taking anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs should avoid this berry.

Conclusion

This versatile berry can be added to your diet in many ways. It depends on you how you want to have it. It might not be that easy for you to get fresh bilberry every season but you still may want to get all its benefits. 

Instead of having artificial drinks and unreliable supplements, you should get a supplement or juice that uses natural bilberry extract (like terrarberries). If you are apprehensive about the supplement, you can consult your doctor. 

FAQs
Who should not take bilberry

Children, pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before taking this berry or its supplement. Also, people who are taking anticoagulants and anti-platelet drugs should avoid bilberry and bilberry extracts. 

How much bilberry should I take daily?

Most adults can take 160-249 mg orally every day for up to 6 months.

Is bilberry good for kidneys?

Yes, bilberry is good for kidneys and studies have proven it.

What are the side effects of taking bilberry?

As per experts, bilberry leaves and extracts should be avoided in large quantities over an extended period of time. As it might lead to severe weight loss, muscle spasms, and even death. 

Does bilberry lower eye pressure

Yes, bilberry gives relief from eye pressure.