Benefits of Using Bilberry Extract Supplement

Bilberry is the dark and purple fruit of a tall shrub with pointed leaves, which tastes somewhat similar to the American blueberry. The bilberry shrub bears small white and pink flowers which turn into dark purple berries. Bilberry fruit is considered a strong antioxidant and is known to improve blood circulation in body and build strong capillaries. Bilberry extract health supplements are also believed to treat atherosclerosis, cataracts, diabetes(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Diabetes.html), diarrhea, macular degeneration(http://www.mitamins.com/disease/Macular-Degeneration.html), night blindness, and retinopathy amongst other diseases. Although bilberry is not believed to be a definite cure for all the claimed diseases, it is still high in demand due to its health-related properties.

Benefits of Using Bilberry

Although bilberry is not an essential component for our body or for the growth and development of our body, it is definitely an important component in disease prevention. The supplement bilberry extract has numerous benefits:

1. Strengthens Our Body: Bilberry extract supplements strengthen the walls of blood vessels, and improve blood circulation. Due to its ability to strengthen blood vessels, bilberry extract is considered useful in the treatment of varicose veins and hemorrhoids. It may also prevent easy bruising and is also known to stabilize collagen fiber, which is present in cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Bilberry extract health supplements can also decrease capillary permeability and fragility, inhibit platelet aggregation, and prevent the release and synthesis of pro-inflammatory compounds. It is also known to reduce blood glucose levels.

2. Cure Ophthalmologic Disorders: Bilberry extract has a numerous benefits for the eye. Bilberry extract supplements improve microcapillary circulation in the eye, which deteriorates with aging, increases oxygen and blood delivery to the eye, improves the pigmented area of the eyes, and increases the activity of enzyme within the retina of the eye besides treating cataracts and macular degeneration. Bilberry extract can also be used to prevent glaucoma.

3. Cure ulcers and fibro cysts: Bilberry extract health supplements can also be used in the treatment of stomach ulcers and fibro cysts in the breast. However only limited research has been done in this area to confirm bilberry’s benefit and more study is needed.

Bilberry Extract Supplement

For centuries bilberries were eaten as a food in both fresh and dried form. Now, bilberry extract is also available as a health supplement in the form of capsules. Bilberry extract is the most effective form of taking bilberry and a typical dose constitutes 40-80 mg - taken three times per day this will contain 25% anthocyanosides.

The commercial preparations of this health supplement vary for each manufacturer. It is always better to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before taking bilberry extract. However the recommended dose of bilberry extract supplement ranges from 60 to 160 mgs thrice daily.