When we think of berries with health benefits, blueberries often come to mind. However, there’s another powerful berry making waves in the world of health: the Bilberry. A close relative of the blueberry, this small, dark fruit is packed with nutrients and has been widely used for its medicinal properties, specifically for eye health.
Bilberry vs. Blueberry: What’s the Difference?
While bilberries and blueberries may look similar, they’re distinct in several ways. Bilberries are generally smaller, darker, and contain more anthocyanins—compounds known for their antioxidant properties. Unlike blueberries, which are native to North America, bilberries are native to Europe. These anthocyanins give bilberries their deep blue-purple color and are responsible for many of the health benefits associated with the fruit.
Bilberries and the Royal Air Force – Benefits for Night Vision?
One popular story is that during World War II, British Royal Air Force (RAF) pilots consumed bilberries to improve their night vision, particularly for night bombing missions. The anecdote suggests that bilberries helped enhance visual acuity in low light or dark conditions.
However, the scientific evidence supporting this claim is somewhat limited. Some studies have investigated the potential of bilberries (and other similar berries rich in anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant) for improving vision, particularly night vision. Anthocyanins are thought to enhance retinal function and blood circulation in the eyes, theoretically leading to better visual performance in low light.
Even though there is no solid evidence in human studies that bilberry produces any positive visual effects on night vision there is some experimental evidence that implies it might be useful in some ocular conditions whose mode of action is oxidative stress. There are recent epidemiologic, molecular and genetic studies that show a major role of oxidative stress in age-related macular degeneration.
There have been some studies showing oxidative protective effects of bilberry in non-human models.
In Protective Effects of Bilberry and Lingonberry Extracts Against Blue-light Emitting Diode Light-induced Retinal Photoreceptor Cell Damage in Vitro, Ogawa et al showed that cultured mouse cells that had bilberry extract added before subjection to high-energy short-wavelength light survived better than those that hadn’t received the extract.
In Retinoprotective Effects of Bilberry Anthocyanins via Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Anti-Apoptotic Mechanisms in a Visible Light-Induced Retinal Degeneration Model in Pigmented Rabbits, Wang et al found similarly improved survival of pigmented rabbit retinal cells when exposed to bilberry abstract prior to high-intensity light.
So, what are the benefits of bilberries for eyes and vision?
Bilberries have been studied extensively for their potential benefits to eye health, particularly in the context of aging. As mentioned, bilberries are rich in anthocyanins, which are powerful antioxidants believed to protect the eyes by reducing oxidative stress and improving blood circulation to the retina. Here are some ways bilberries may help the aging eye, though more research is needed to confirm these effects:
1. Helping Support the Aging Eye
Bilberries contain antioxidants that may help protect against the oxidative damage associated with the aging eye by protecting retinal cells from damage caused by free radicals.
2. Supporting Retinal Health
Anthocyanins in bilberries are thought to improve blood flow to the retina and strengthen the capillaries that supply the eyes, which may help preserve retinal function as we age. This could potentially help with supporting the aging eye by supporting blood circulation.
3. Enhancing Night Vision
Although the claims about World War II pilots using bilberries for night vision are debated, there is some evidence suggesting bilberry extracts may help improve contrast sensitivity and adapt to low-light conditions, which tend to deteriorate with age.
4. Reducing Eye Fatigue
Bilberries may help reduce symptoms of eye fatigue, which is particularly relevant in today’s digital age as people spend more time in front of screens. Some small studies have found that bilberry extract can reduce symptoms of eye strain and improve the comfort of the eyes, which could be useful for aging individuals experiencing discomfort from prolonged screen use.
5. Supporting the Human Lens
The lens in the human eye helps focus light onto the retina. Oxidative stress can play a major role in damage to the lens in the aging eye. Some research suggests that antioxidants like those found in bilberries may help reducing oxidative damage to the lens of the eye and help support the lens in the aging eye.
6. Maintaining Healthy Eye Pressures
Some studies suggest bilberry extracts may support eye health by helping to maintain healthy eye pressure which is important to help support the health of the optic nerve.
Why Pristene Formulations Include Bilberry
At Pristene, we are committed to using the most effective natural ingredients in our formulations, and bilberry is no exception. Its clinically studied potential benefits for vision health, coupled with its antioxidant properties, make it a standout ingredient in our products designed for supporting eye health. If you are looking to support your eyes or simply boost your intake of antioxidants, bilberry may be a powerful addition to your daily wellness routine. See our products Neuroptene Perfect Pressure and Macutene Protect.
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