Billberries

Bilberries have captivating folklore; In European folklore, it was believed that fairies used bilberry juice to enhance their magical powers.WWII British pilots believed bilberry jam improved night vision. In Scandinavian cuisine, bilberries shine in traditional dishes like soup, pies, and jams.

Bilberries, small dark blue-purple berries rich in antioxidants, offer a range of potential health benefits. Their high anthocyanin content provides powerful antioxidant properties, protecting against chronic diseases by combating harmful free radicals. These berries are particularly renowned for their positive impact on eye health, as anthocyanosides aid the retina and enhance blood flow to the eyes, potentially preventing age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and cataracts. Moreover, bilberries may possess anti-inflammatory effects, reducing the risk of conditions like heart disease and diabetes. Additionally, studies suggest that the antioxidants in bilberries protect brain cells, potentially improving memory and cognitive function.


References:

Chu, Wing-kwan, et al. "Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)." Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects, edited by Iris F. F. Benzie and Sissi Wachtel-Galor, 2nd edition, CRC Press/Taylor & Francis, 2011, chapter 4. Accessed on Bookshelf, PMID: 22593936. Bookshelf ID: NBK92770.