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| Bilberries: Photo © Jenny R |
Bilberries have a long history as a food and medicine. They contain dark red pigments called anthocyanins which laboratory research shows help to maintain the integrity and hence the health of the microcirculation. Many people will not have even heard the term ‘microcirculation’ but its status determines the health of all our major organs and our limbs, not to mention our brain.
The term refers to the circulation of the blood in the smallest of blood vessels, which includes the arterioles, capillaries, and venules. If these vessels are fragile and leaky then the entire circulatory system is at risk because fluid escapes into local tissues causing swelling and inflammation. A healthy microcirculation is important for preventing or managing many major diseases, including diabetes, various types of dementia and cardiovascular disease, to name just a few, and research interest is very active in all these areas.
From Bilberry’s traditional use for diarrhoea and haemorrhoids to its use to enhance night vision among air pilots during the World War II, the herb has long been considered a valuable therapeutic ally by those interested in natural medicine. Bilberries are not the only source of anthocyanins by any means, as these compounds are present in many dark red fruits, but it is a concentrated source. Although the traditional use of Bilberry for treating night vision and other diseases has been ‘pooh poohed’ (PMID: 35847049) on the basis that clinical trials are too small or not well designed, the biological feasibility of bilberries being effective therapy for conditions associated with failure of the microcirculation, remains.
We all need to protect our microcirculation for a long and healthy life. Through its effects on the microcirculation, Bilberry is of potential value in the treatment or prevention of many diseases of modern society. It joins the ranks of other foods that can support the microcirculation such as garlic, ginger, turmeric, cocoa, beetroot, green leafy vegetables, herbs, spices and green tea.
PMID = PubMed identifier
Ann Walker PhD FCPP MNIMH RNutr, Herbal Practitioner and Nutritionist,
Course Director, Discovering Herbal Medicine course
