The bilberry plant, native to Northern Europe, is a small perennial that produces small black wrinkled berries that ripen late in the summer. Both the leaves and the fruit contain medicinal compounds. Similar to the blueberry, bilberry fruit contain plant pigments know as anthocyanosides, which have excellent antioxidant properties as well as high amounts of vitamin C. Anthocyanosides are known to help strengthen blood vessels, improve cirulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, reduce damage caused by free radicals, and boost the production of rhodopsin (a pigment that improves night vision and helps the eye adapt to light changes). We should all strive to get a daily dose of berries. Info provided by: Well Being Journal In good health, Shana Burns, C.N. |