Facts about Bilberry Fruit
The Bilberry is actually a short shrub, a family member of the genus
Vaccinium which has over 450 varieties. The species usually known to
be Vaccinium myrtillus L., or else referred to as European
blueberry. Some other names include whortleberry, myrtle blueberry
or whinberry.
It features a greenish, branched, anguated and inflexible stem. The
foliage is oviform, and coarsely serrate. The pinkish, waxy flowers
blossom during spring and early summer.
The bilberry fruit is smaller compared to the blueberry and they
are almost similar
in flavor. The simplest way to distinguish the whortleberry is it
grows solitary or paired berries instead of clusters, like the
blueberry does.
Bilberries are deeper in color, and usually look near black along
with a little blue tone. Furthermore, the blueberry's flesh is light
green in color, while the whortleberry is purplish or red.
Whinberry is often eaten fresh or made into jam, juices pies and
fruit fools. It can also be used as a base to produce liqueurs,
sherbet flavoring and various other desserts.
Health Benefits of
Eating Bilberries
Eye Health
Flavonoids contain
strong antioxidant properties that defend body
cells and membranes from the harmful free radicals.
The flavonoid, anthocyanins, present in this antioxidant berry gives
the blue hue of the fruit and is the primary active substance of
this plant.
Whortleberries contain high anthrocyanin as the pigment is seen in
both the flesh and the skin.
This antioxidant could benefit the eyes as well as the blood
circulation system.
Anthocyanin is definitely an antioxidant that provide the effect of:
to the very small blood vessels to keep eyes in good shape, and
making an effort to keep good blood flow. Due to this, bilberry is
always included into eyesight improving supplements along with
lutein and zeaxanthin.
Antidiarrheal Properties
The tannins found in this berry after it is dried become an
astringent. It influences the gastrointestinal system by tightening
the mucus membrane layer and helps ease the irritation.
Antibacterial benefits
Bilberry are powerful antioxidants -- they have high levels of
flavanoids known as anthocyanosides that helps prevent the effects
of the harmful free radicals that lead to inflammation, aging,
cancer and even degenerative disorders such as macular degeneration.
Bilberry Nutrition and Calories
|
Nutritional Value of 100 g
Fresh Bilberries |
|
Calories |
30 |
|
Total Fat |
0 g |
|
Cholesterol |
0 mg |
|
Sodium |
0 mg |
|
Total Carbohydrates |
6 g |
|
Dietary Fiber |
1 g |
|
Sugars |
0 g |
|
Protein |
0 g |
Bilberry Recipe
Acai and Bilberry Juice
Ingredients:
A small handful of bilberries
100 g acai pulp
100 ml fresh orange juice
2 1/2 tablespoons yogurt
Preparation:
Blend all ingredients in an electronic blender and serve.
Side Effects of Bilberry
As bilberry features a blood thinning effect, anybody on
blood-thinning drugs need to seek advice from a doctor prior to
consuming bilberry or its supplements.
There have not been any known negative effects documented. However,
just like any health supplements or medications you must remain
careful with any adverse reactions that could pertain to you. Should
you detect any whortleberry side effects, stop use and speak to your
doctor.
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