Berry extracts are antioxidants and can protect capillaries from free radical damage.
An antioxidant herb
The European blueberry is a natural source of anthocyanidins and flavonoids, both of which are powerful antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress on your eyes, it strengthens capillaries and improves vision, especially night vision. An antioxidant which increases the flexibility of cell walls by preventing oxidation damage, helping capillaries stretch without breaking or leaking and allows red blood cells to squeeze through tighter vessels. The result is better blood flow, especially to the capillary-rich retina of the eye.
May lower blood pressure and reverse poor blood supply. Believed to reduce the tendency to bruise easy by strengthening the capillaries. Effective against varicose veins and "spider" veins resulting from leakage of blood from capillaries.
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A legendary reputation as aid in diabetes. A dual action makes it valuable because it improves circulation and modifies blood sugar levels.
The list of uses for bilberry, include an endless variety of possibilities, from bladder stones to poor vision. Possible benefits and uses:
Beneficial for poor vision and "night blindness", may help those with eye diseases, may help in the treatment of varicose veins, may have anti-cancer and anti-ulcer properties, helps control insulin levels in diabetics, acts as a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic.
Bilberry is a fruit that contains high levels of anthocyanadins, a type of flavonoid that protects the eyes against free radical damage. Free radicals are generated in our bodies as a normal by-product of metabolism, but we're also exposed to them from toxins in our environment. As we age, our eyes become more vulnerable to free-radical damage and require an increased level of protection - protection that bilberry provides.
Bilberry also helps to support the health of small blood vessels found throughout the eyes. Components of the herb strengthen the collagen component of blood vessel walls and also help reduce the activity of enzymes that can damage or break down collagen. This means the fragile blood vessels of the eyes are less likely to sustain an injury (e.g. from free- radical damage or other insult) that might cause leaking. Improved blood vessel function also means the eyes will be provided with better circulation.
In the European medical pharmacopoeia it is listed for treatment of eye ailments including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and night blindness. It contains rhodopsin, which has an affinity for the retina of the eye and provides a specialized protein needed for night vision. Bright light depletes rhodopsin.
In Studies: It has been found in studies to increase the regeneration of a substance called rhodopsin, which is involved in the eye's response to changing levels of light, that can help the eyes adapt to darkness or low-light conditions more quickly. Recent research implies benefits to the digestive system specifically involved with stomach ulcer sand for a feverish liver. Research demonstrates bilberry can increase metabolic enzyme actions in the eye, reducing macular degeneration, preventing cataracts and implications in cases of common myopia (near-sightedness).
(Studies used 160 - 320 mg per day of the standardized 25% anthocyanosides.) Powerful antioxidant. In vitro anticancer activity. Inhibits LDL oxidation. Improves myopia. Protects and improves vision in diabetics presumably by stabilizing microvascular permeability.
In a clinical studies conducted in Italy, bilberry extract combined with vitamin E stopped cataract formation for 97% of the participants in the studies.
History: It has been used as a medicinal herb since the 16th century. Historically used in Europe prior to surgery for the prevention of hemorrhaging and excessive bleeding.
Technicals: A European species closely related to American blueberry, cranberry, and huckleberry.
A common problem associated with aging is vision loss, particularly, a condition known as macular degeneration is a major cause of blindness in older people. Research has shown that bilberry has beneficial effects on the micro-circulation of blood in the retina and can help to prevent its degeneration. When combined with Ginkgo, which has been shown on its own to reduce macular degeneration in clinical trials, this is a particularly powerful combination (Wien Med Wochenschr 2002; 152(15-16): 423-426). testing
Synergist: vitamin E,Ginkgo
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