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Bilberries: scientific studies*

 

Bilberries are among the highest anti-oxidant fruits. In addition, these berries have other flavonoid anti-oxidants such as carotene, lutein and zea-xanthin.

 

The wild bilberry is up to four times richer in these flavonoids than the  cultivated plant is. These flavonoids help rid off harmful oxygen-derived free radicals from the body, and  offer colorful protection for a healthier heart, sharper brain, and cancer defense (a).

Bilberries contain vitamins C and E. They also contain a small amount of the B-complex group of vitamins such as niacin, pyridoxine, folates and pantothenic acid. It contains very good amounts of vitamin B-6, niacin, riboflavin, pantothenic acid and folic acid. These vitamins help the body metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Vitamins C, A and E also work as anti-oxidants, which limit free radical injury to the body. Furthermore, bilberries contain minerals like potassium, manganese, copper, iron and zinc. Because of their synergetic action, bilberries, the ultimated  superfood (b).    

The scientists recommend to eat blueberries three times a week. (c) 

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a). http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2009/feb2009_Blueberries_01.htm?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=normal 

b). http://health.yahoo.net/experts/dayinhealth/are-blueberries-ultimate-superfood

boost health and longevity

c).http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletters/Harvard_Heart_Letter/2013/July/eat-blueberries-and-strawberries-three-times-per-week?utm_source=heart&utm_medium=pressrelease&utm_campaign=heart0713

 

Scientific studies show that bilberries anthocyanins have many health benefits, including:

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  • providing defense against cardiovascular disease. (1)

  • enhancing short-term memory, opening ways to  help with Alzheimer’s disease. (2) 

  • inhibiting proliferation of breast cancer cells. (3)

  • lowering blood sugar levels and improving insulin sensitivity, helping to prevent diabetes. (4)  

  • protecting the eyes against age-related disorders, like macular degeneration. (5)

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1. Persson IA, Persson K, Andersson RG. Effect of vaccinum myrtillus and its polyphenols on angiotensin-converting enzyme activity in human endothelial cells. J Agric Food Chem. 2009 Jun 10;57(11):4626-9. 

2. Ramirez MR, Izquierdo I, do Carmo Bassols Raseira M, Zuanazzi JA, Barros D, Henriques AT. Effect of lyophilized Vaccinum berries on memory, anxiety, and locomotion in adult rats. Pharmacol Res. 2005 Dec;52(6):457-62.

3. Nguyen V, Tang J, Oroudjev E, et al. Cytotoxic effects of bilberry extract on MCF7-GFP-tubulin breast cancer cells. J Med Food. 2010 Feb 4.

4. Takikawa M, Inoue S, Horio F, Tsuda T. Dietary anthocyanin-rich bilberry extract ameliorates hyperglycemia and insulin sensitivity via activation of AMP-activated protein kinase in diabetic mice. J Nutr. 2010 Mar;140(3):527-33.

5. Milbury PE, Graf B, Curran-Celentano JM, Blumberg JB. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) anthocyanins modulate heme oxygenase-1 and glutathione S-transferase-pi expression in ARPE-19 cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2007 May;48(5):2343-9.

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*Through this site we are only furthering scientific results; on no account we supply medical advices.

The content of this website has not been verified by a physician.

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