Bilberries

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 7:03 am

This article says that bilberries may help IBD and diarrhea.

http://journals2.scholarsportal.info/de ... ataaec.xml

Bilberries have positive effects in acute and chronic diarrhea. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) report on improved symptoms upon ingestion

They also may be helpful for other conditions
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/drug ... l/202.html

The effectiveness ratings for BILBERRY are as follows:
Possibly effective for...

•Problems with the retina of the eye in people with diabetes or high blood pressure. Research studies used a product that had a high concentration of the chemicals in bilberry that seem to improve blood circulation.

Does anyone know if they're available in the states? I've never seen them. I'm thinking they'd be a good addition to my smoothies!

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 9:46 am

You should be able to find bilberry juice and jam. I haven't seen the berries themselves, fresh or frozen, but you can also buy bilberry supplements. They have a long association with eye health and vision - RAF pilots in WWII were supposedly given bilberry jam (but I've also heard that that's a myth).

They're closely related to blueberries & huckleberries (lots of anthocyanin...)

Try health food stores, or high-end-foodie places. The Italian brand Bionaturae is one that has juice on the market...

Interesting link, thanks!

Sara

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 4:34 pm

Thanks, Sara! I'll look around.

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 4:44 pm

I'd guess that blueberries have at least some of the same benefits, especially the smaller, 'wild' ones... and that you *will* be able to find!

Deb · Post by **Deb** » Thu Dec 08, 2011 6:25 pm

We have a cabin in Northern MN and pick wild blueberries there (they're wonderful). Hopefully they're as helpful.