The importance of antioxidants
Also known as “free-radical scavengers”, Antioxidants- from both natural and artificial sources essentially hunt down and neutralize free radicals in our bodies. These free radicals are our cell’s waste substances which happen to be unstable molecules that may result in oxidative stress which is linked to heart disease, cancer, arthritis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease amongst many others.
What is Bilberry?
Also known as the European blueberry, the Vaccinium myrtillus is primarily native to Eurasia. As the alternative name suggests, the berry is closely related to the common blueberry- in both nutritional values and appearances.
They tend to grow in acidic, nutrient-poor soils throughout Europe and other subarctic regions of the world. They are difficult to grow, the fruit is small and they tend to grow singly or in pairs- meaning that they are rarely cultivated and farmed. The fruit is juicer and softer than the average blueberry which is why fresh Bilberries are not found outside of Europe.
Why Bilberry?
1. Very rich in nutrients
Bilberries are packed with nutrients, water, manganese, fibre along with vitamins C and K. The berries are known to taste great and simultaneously provide said nutrients with low calories.
2. Contains beneficial antioxidants
Bilberries are rich in anthocyanins- powerful flavonoid antioxidants that have been reported to lower blood pressure, improve visual acuity, reduce cancer cell proliferation, inhibit tumour formation, prevent diabetes, and have anti-inflammatory properties amongst many other benefits.
3. May improve vision
Bilberries are thought to improve vision- especially night vision. Despite these claims however, there is no conclusive scientific evidence to neither accept nor deny this claim. There are however, researched backed instances in which Bilberry has improved visual function in those with Glaucoma along with improving eye fatigue and dryness resulting from extensive exposure to screens.