The top Bilberry benefit: brain health support. Bilberry (Vaccinium uliginosum) is an all-natural herbal with neuroprotective properties.
Are You Eating Your Blueberries?
Why are blueberries so popular in health and wellness circles? The answer’s simple.
The high antioxidant content of berries helps protect brain cells from damage by harmful free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can damage cells, causing illness and aging. Free radicals are linked to aging and a host of diseases, and they’re set loose within the body through the process of oxidation. Consumption of berries may also change the way the neurons in the brain communicate with each other, working to prevent inflammation that can lead to brain cell damage and thereby improve movement control and function.
The Top Bilberry Benefit: Brain Health
Bilberry, also known as Vaccinium uliginosum and bog blueberry, in particular has been associated with potential brain health benefits. Clinical studies suggest it can improve memory, and it is believed to help with age-related cognitive issues. In fact, it has the potential to help reverse the cognitive decline some of us experience with aging.
Bilberry is commonly used to rejuvenate the mind, provide meditation support, and increase clarity of thought. It’s also frequently used to support the treatment of cognitive deficits and to improve learning and memory. Studies have found that consumption of bilberry may improve short-term memory, navigational skills, balance, and coordination. Compounds in bilberries seem to jumpstart the brain in ways that help aging neurons communicate again.
A 2019 study published in The Journal of Medicinal Food investigated the neuroprotective effects of Vaccinium uliginosum extract in an animal model of Alzheimer’s disease. The findings demonstrated that the extract helped improve memory and cognitive function by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. The study also revealed that Vaccinium uliginosum extract increased the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in promoting neuronal growth and protecting against neurodegenerative diseases.
Of all the berries for brain health, Bilberry may be the most highly valued for its healing and rejuvenating powers. We call it the Brain Berry.
Other Health Benefits of Bilberry
The Power of Anthocyanins – According to Herbal Medicine, “Bilberry … is one of the richest natural sources of anthocyanins. These polyphenolic components give bilberry its blue/black color and high antioxidant content, and they are believed to be the key bioactives responsible for the many reported health benefits of bilberry and other berry fruits.
“Although bilberry is promoted most commonly for improving vision, it has been reported to lower blood glucose, to have anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering effects, and to promote antioxidant defense and lower oxidative stress. … [B]ilberry is of potential value in the treatment or prevention of conditions associated with inflammation, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia or increased oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cancer, diabetes, and dementia and other age-related diseases.”
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties – Vaccinium uliginosum contains a variety of antioxidants, including anthocyanins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress and inflammation in the body. A 2012 study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that Bilberry extract showed strong antioxidant activity, protecting against free radicals and reducing oxidative damage.
Cardiovascular Health – Several studies have suggested that consumption of Vaccinium uliginosum may contribute to cardiovascular health. Research published in the journal Nutrients investigated the Bilberry benefit on lipid metabolism and atherosclerosis in animal models. The findings indicated that the extract helped decrease total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. These effects are beneficial for maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Try Bilberry Today
Linden Botanicals sells all-natural Bilberry herbal extract in 50-serving sizes as SAVVY! Brain Health Support. We also sell Bilberry herbal extract in larger 200 gram to 1,000 gram sizes. To learn more, check out the Bilberry FAQ.