Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtilus) is a small shrub that grows in cool, temperate regions of both the northern and southern hemispheres. It is related to blueberry of the heath family and is also known as bleaberry and common whortleberry in Europe. It is first mentioned in early herbal traditional medicine from the Middle Ages, and became more prominent during the 18th century.
Today it is listed in the German Commission “E” Monographs, and the studies into its nutritive properties are ongoing. The eyes have a high concentration of tiny capillaries that can be affected by inflammation, blood pressure, and other vascular disorders. Because bilberry is effective at helping reduce inflammation, and it has the ability to strengthen the capillaries, thin the blood, and stimulate the release of vasodilators, bilberry has a very positive effect on eyesight. Bilberries contain a potent type of flavonoid antioxidant called anthocyanosides, and this antioxidant has been shown to support the cardiovascular system as well as eye health.
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Today, NOW Foods is one of the top-selling brands in health foods stores, an award-winning manufacturer, a respected advocate of the natural product industry, and a leader in the fields of nutritional science and methods development. And while they have grown considerably over the past four decades, one thing has never changed – their commitment to providing products and services that empower people to lead healthier lives.
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