The bilberry fruit (Vaccinium myrtillus) is rich in antioxidant anthocyanosides, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Bilberry has been shown to help maintain healthy capillaries, including those in the eye. While the specific mechanisms behind bilberry’s beneficial effect on the eye are not completely understood, it is thought that the anthocyanosides it provides help improve oxygenation and blood delivery to the eye, act as free radical scavengers, and support the maintenance of healthy capillaries. In addition, these anthocyanosides are thought to have an affinity for the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which delivers nutrients to the eye’s photoreceptor cells.
Preliminary human trials conducted in Europe show that bilberry may help to prevent cataracts, and may provide benefits for people with mildretinopathies (such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy).
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