This fruit is a relative of blueberries. In fact, it looks and tastes like blueberry and has been used as jams, juices, pies and even liquor for many years.

However, as popular as this fruit is for its taste, it is equally popular for its medicinal properties.

One important trait of the bilberry fruit is the fact that it possesses anthocyanins, which are superb antioxidants. Antioxidants are proven to help in avoiding cancer and long-term illness in the eyes and heart.

In fact, bilberries really excel when one analyzes therapeutic value to the eyes. Bilberries promote good night vision and healthy blood circulation to the capillaries. They also give excellent support to the retina and surrounding eye tissues.

Our eyes are very delicate and yet, they are constantly bombarded by smoke, chlorine, dust, UV rays, inflammation etc, which damage the macula. The macula is the part of the retina responsible for clarity and one's ability to read fine print.

It is this bombardment that causes macula degeneration which is a very common condition that happens as we age and the leading cause of blindness.

Taking a bilberry extract is one way to lower the risk of macula degeneration, cataract, glaucoma and ultimately vision loss.

Outside of tackling eye problems, bilberries are reported to control or decrease sugar levels. Studies show that billberry extracts should contain at least 25% anthocyanidin to prevent diabetic retinopathy - an eye disease that can lead to blindness.

In vitro studies show that bilberries have anticancer properties which inhibit leukemia cells and human colon carcinoma cells growth.

Bilberries have also been reported to boost the immune system and treat conditions such as diarrhea, mucositis and varicose veins..

Bilberries can be consumed as a supplement, taken in tea form or consumed directly either fresh or dried. There are no known side effects to taking them in either form but if you are on medication, check with your doctor first, just to be on the safe side.

When it comes to maintaining the health of your eyes or any other part of your body, don't wait until illness happens to start taking a bilberry supplement or any other beneficial herbal supplement.

Prevention is better than cure so find out about the natural supplements that give your body the most ammunition to keep you healthy.

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