Better vision, better cardiovascular health, treating diarrhea, gastrointestinal issues and preventing the formation of blood clots are some of the health benefits of Bilberry for children.

Many of us may get confused with Bilberries and blueberries because both of them have similar taste, appearance, colour as well as size. Apart from the listed health benefits of Bilberry, it is also beneficial in treating urinary tract infection (UTI), kidney problems, sore throat, gout, weight loss, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and various other diseases. Let us look at some of its health benefits in detail:

8 Surprising Health Benefits of Bilberry for Kids

Antioxidant

The antioxidant properties of Bilberries help to protect the cells from damage. Regular consumption of Bilberries is a great way to keep your child’s health in check. Considering those antioxidants that are found in Bilberries and are not needed by the body, are simply excreted.

Better vision

Bilberries are considered to be beneficial for eye health, particularly vision in the dim light. As per some research, presence of anthocyanins in Bilberries benefits the eye vision, although there is still not enough research regarding the same. But overall, the ability of Bilberries to protect the cells, control blood sugar levels and reducing inflammation all contribute to a better vision.

Cardiovascular health

Bilberry is a great option for the maintenance of a healthy heart. The presence of anthocyanins in Bilberries help to support the lining of blood vessels which further helps in reducing the blood pressure levels, platelet formation and arterial stiffness. Apart from this, it also helps in regulating the cholesterol levels. All these factors help in reducing the atherosclerosis presence, which is responsible for raising the blood pressure levels, breakage of platelets and for causing heart attacks and strokes.

Blood circulation

Bilberry can largely help in improving the blood circulation disorders. Consumption of around 170 mg of Bilberry extract on a regular basis can help in treating the insufficiency of chronic venous. Also, if you consume around 100-400 mg of it regularly for six months, it can help you with swelling, pain, bruising ad burning issues.

Diarrhea

A number of people rely on Bilberry as a natural home remedy for treating diarrhea. It was long ago since Bilberry was used in European medication for the treatment of diarrhea. The reason is the chemicals and tannins in Bilberry that consists of astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also a lot beneficial in reducing the intestinal swelling.

Gastrointestinal diseases

The astringent and inflammatory properties contained by tannins present in the Bilberry is a lot beneficial in reducing the risk of gastrointestinal diseases. This is one of the most trusted home remedies for the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.

Blood clotting

As we all know that bad cholesterol is one of the reasons that put you at a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. This is mainly because the oxidation of bad cholesterol that leads to the formation of plaque within the bloodstream. Thus, regular consumption of Bilberry helps in preventing the formation of blood clots.

Deal with atherosclerosis

There are enormous number of health benefits of Bilberry, some of which are boosting the blood circulation, preventing the oxidation of bad cholesterol and strengthening blood vessels. All of these contribute in leading to atherosclerosis. For treating the same, Bilberry is one of the best home remedies.

Whortleberry ice cream Recipe

Ingredients

• Whortleberry juice
• Egg yolks
• Vanilla sugar
• Channel island cream
• Lemon juice
• Sugar
• Good channel Iceland milk

Method

• Add a tablespoon of sugar and a teaspoon of lemon juice to the whortleberry juice.
• Heat and stir the same until the sugar completely gets dissolved.
• Bring it to boil until it gets thickened up to a light syrup.
• Heat the milk
• Take egg yolks and vanilla sugar and whisk together.
• Pout some hot milk and continue to whisk.
• Now, pour this custard mixture to a heavy saucepan and heat it till it gets thick.
• Then put the same in a bowl and add the whortleberry syrup.
• Refrigerate. And then simply transfer it to an ice cream maker.

Dosage

• Dose of dries, ripe berries: 20-60 grams per day.
• People with diseased retinas: 160 mg of Bilberry extract twice a day.
• Many people also consume it in the form of tea which is pretty easy to prepare.

Steep a gram. 1-2 tablespoon, chopped dried leaf in 150 ml boiling water for at least 10 minutes. Strain.  (remember, you do not have to use the Bilberry leaf for long term)

Conclusion

Bilberry leaf is considered to be safe for most of the people. But you must ensure you provide the same to your child in limited amounts as high doses of Bilberry leaf when given to children can lead to certain side effects. You can also add some powdered or frozen Bilberries to a smoothie, or they be used to make sauces as well.