Bilberry is a low-growing shrub in the Vaccinium genus, also referred to as European blueberry or huckleberry. They produce berries that are quite similar to their North American cousin, the blueberry. Just like our favourite cereal topper, bilberries are high in phytonutrients that are excellent for our health, like the anthocyanins that make them purple. Fresh bilberries are not commonly found in stores as they are softer and juicer than blueberries, making them more susceptible to damage. Supplementation can ensure benefits year round.

The potent anthocyanins found in bilberries are a type of flavonoid, a phytonutrient found often in purple, blue and red berries and purple vegetables. It’s abundant in antioxidants, just like blueberries, often cited as being among the foods with the highest antioxidant levels. Bilberries also contain vitamin C and phenolic compounds like quercetin, other compounds beneficial for our overall health.

Bilberries have been studied for their ability to help with eyes and vision, as well as their role in aiding in lowering high blood glucose levels. As an excellent source of the antioxidants that protect cell-signalling pathways, gene expression and DNA repair, bilberries help in the prevention of premature aging. A natural antimicrobial, anthocyanins can help protect against detrimental bacteria that may find their way into our bodies.

MEDICINAL INGREDIENT — EACH CAPSULE CONTAINS: 

Bilberry 100:1 Fruit Extract (Vaccinium myrtillus) 60 mg (Equivalent to 6000 mg dried Bilberry Fruit Powder).

NON-MEDICINAL INGREDIENTS: 

Blueberry Powder, Brown Rice Flour, Magnesium Stearate (Non-GMO Vegetable Source), Gelatin (Capsule).

RECOMMENDED DOSE — (ORAL) ADULTS ONLY:

Take 1 capsule per day.

Q: What are the foods I can eat to increase my intake of these awesome anthocyanins?
A: Think dark blue and purple. Food sources of anthocyanins include deep-coloured berries like acai, blackberries, cranberries, raspberries and of course blueberries; plus blue and purple grapes, eggplant and red cabbage. Aim for a blue/purple food daily; ensure there is one or more in your cart with each shopping trip.

Q: Can I buy bilberries fresh in a store?
A: It’s rare to find bilberries in the grocery store. As they are much more fragile than blueberries, growing them commercially isn’t really viable. But do you live in a location where some wild berry picking in season is an option? Are there local huckleberries, blackberries, blueberries or raspberries around, that you can legally harvest some for you to eat or freeze? Take advantage of this if you can. Just make sure you leave enough for the bears!

Q: What is a phytonutrient?
A: These are chemicals naturally produced in plants, which function as their defense system. A plant can’t run away from a pest or drought, so under stress, these phytochemicals are produced as part of it’s immune system to get it through the crisis. We can benefit from these nutrients by eating more plants. As all the colours found in our produce have a different set of these phytonutrients, eating a rainbow on a regular basis allows us to benefit from these plant-produced superpowers.

Q: What specifically do scientists know that these purple phytonutrients do in plants? 
A: In plants, the role of anthocyanins include attracting animals, birds and insects for pollination and seed dispersal. They also may help in cold tolerance, and provide antimicrobial and antioxidant properties for the plant.

Q: Free radicals, why do we need to fight them?
A: In everyday life, our body generates free radicals, especially in case of stress. These chemically unbalanced radicals damage cells by oxidizing them, in the same way as metal becomes rusty and destroyed. Hence, free radicals are dangerous and scientists believe the continuous exposure to free radicals is a major cause of ageing and many degenerative diseases.