6 Health Benefits of Bilberry & Its Facts
It is common knowledge that berries are fruits rich in nutrients, and bilberries are no exception. The benefits of bilberries are quite diverse, ranging from maintaining the health of the eyes, teeth, brain, heart, and other body cells. So, it is no wonder that many people are on the hunt for this fruit from Europe.
At a glance, this fruit does look similar to a blueberry because they come from the same genus, the Vaccinium genus. The color is not much different either, a deep blue. It is just that bilberries originate from Europe, while blueberries come from North America.
After knowing the difference between blueberries and bilberries, you also need to know what their benefits are. Specifically for bilberries, there are several benefits you will experience when consuming them regularly, which are as follows!
1. Makes Gums Healthier

What fruits are good for gum health? Of course, bilberries are among them. This is because this fruit has been clinically proven to stabilize collagen and strengthen gum tissue. Therefore, this fruit is effective in preventing diseases that attack the gums, such as gingivitis.
2. An Anti-Inflammatory Agent That Effectively Treats Inflammation

Besides gum disease, what else are bilberries used for? It turns out, not much different from other fruits, this fruit from Northern Europe is also an anti-inflammatory agent. This is why this fruit is effective for treating inflammation. Not just gum inflammation or gingivitis, but other types of inflammation as well.
The anti-inflammatory compounds in this fruit are also quite numerous, including phenolic acids, organic acids, anthocyanins, coumarins, flavonols, flavanols, tannins, and terpenoids. These anti-inflammatory agents are effective in reducing levels of inflammation and can also help address metabolic disorders in the body.
3. A Source of a Healthy Diet

It turns out that this fruit from Northern Europe also reduces body weight. So, this fruit can be a solution for those of you who want a healthy diet. This is due to the anthocyanin content that works in adipose tissue, the place where excess fat accumulates. Therefore, bilberry intake is often associated with weight loss.
This weight loss occurs because anthocyanins help improve the body's metabolism. In addition to losing weight, this fruit is also effective at lowering serum cholesterol and insulin resistance. Then, the accumulation of lipids (fats) and leptin secretion in the body will also decrease.
4. Reduces the Risk of Atherosclerosis

Bilberries are also effective at reducing the risk of atherosclerosis, a condition where cholesterol and fat accumulate in the arterial vessels. Because of this disease, heart function will be impaired. Fortunately, there are bilberries that reduce the risk of this happening.
As mentioned in the explanation above, the anthocyanin content in this fruit is effective at reducing lipid accumulation in the body. So, atherosclerosis will stay away from you.
5. Maximizes Brain Performance

What are the benefits of bilberry supplements besides what has been mentioned above? It turns out that this fruit is also effective at maximizing brain performance. In fact, this fruit can prevent Alzheimer's disease or dementia. This is because the anthocyanin content has neuroprotective properties.
Based on research, this fruit is effective at reducing motor deficits and nigral dopaminergic cell death. In fact, besides Alzheimer's, this fruit from Europe can also reduce the risk of other brain diseases such as Parkinson's.
6. Keeps Eyes Healthy

Finally, there are also the benefits of bilberries for the eyes. In fact, this is the most popular benefit of bilberries in society. This also makes people wonder whether bilberries can cure nearsightedness (myopia) or not.
In fact, this fruit cannot cure myopia. However, bilberries are effective at preventing your myopia from getting worse. Additionally, this fruit can also reduce the risk of macular degeneration and cataracts.
This is because this fruit from Europe is rich in antioxidants that can lower lipid peroxides in the retina area. Consuming bilberries regularly over the long term is clinically proven to prevent macular degeneration and cataracts and keep eyes healthier.
Read Also: 5 Foods That Are Good for Keeping Eyes Healthy
Unfortunately, because they come from the Northern European region, you will rarely encounter this fruit in Indonesia. However, you don't need to worry because there are bilberry capsules for eyes that you can try. The benefits will be the same as when you consume the fruit directly.
For example, like Sido Muncul Herbal Bilberry Carrot 30 Capsules which can maintain eye health. This product is effective in helping you deal with tired eyes and various other types of eye problems. Especially if you are in the healing period for retinal disorders, cataracts, etc.
Not only the benefits of bilberries, you can also feel the benefits of carrots which are no less good for the eyes, such as for glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. But before consuming these capsules, make sure to read the usage instructions on the packaging to get maximum results.