Bilberry is a perennial shrub native to Northern Europe, Northern America, and Canada. The Bilberry plant produces a fruit similar to the American blueberry, but containing higher quantities of constituents useful for visual acuity and night blindness. The genus name Vaccinium is from an ancient Latin name for the plant derived from "vaca", meaning "cow", as that animal enjoyed eating the plant in countryside fields. Bilberry Fruit was frequently taken during World War II by British pilots to enhance their night vision before flights. Today, Bilberry is being is used as an antioxidant, and is beneficial in the strengthening of red blood cells & capillaries around the eyes. By supplying added oxygen to the blood, Bilberry benefits all capillaries in the body to improve circulation to the hands and feet. Bilberry is rich in fatty acids, bioflavonoids, iron, zinc, and phosphorus. It also contains loeanolic and ursolic acids, magnesium, selenium, and trace amounts of sodium & calcium. The fruits are astringent, and are especially valuable in the botanical support of diarrhea and dysentery, typically in the form of syrup. A decoction of the leaves, or bark of the root, may be used as a local application to ulcers, and in ulceration of the mouth and throat. Best when taken over time, Bilberry assimilates its unique nutritional properties by strengthening the immune system. It is also useful for relieving stress, inflammation, and anxiety. Bilberry is also beneficial as a urinary track antiseptic, as well as a daily dietary supplement. |
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Lutein is a xanthophyll, which is a type of carotenoid pigment. Lutein is a yellowish pigment found in kale, spinach, and broccoli, and gives the yellow color to corn, egg yolk, and various fruits, vegetables, and flowers. The term 'xanthophyll' comes from the Greek, in which "xantho" means yellow, and "phylls" means leaves. Major known functions of the phytochemicals known as carotenoids are photoreception and photoprotection. Carotenoids are also strong anti-oxidants and protect a plant's tissues from damage caused by free radicals formed by UV-radiation, etc. When we eat carotenoids such as beta-carotene and Lutein through food or supplements, they protect our body against free radical damage as well. In addition to anti-oxidant actions, beta-carotene converts in our body to Vitamin A, which is an essential for body functions including vision. Like beta-carotene, Lutein is a carotenoid found commonly in diets. Studies indicate that Lutein is an essential nutrient for healthy eyes and vision. Lutein has been found to accumulate in the area of the retina known as the macula, which is important in crisp, clear vision. It is theorized that Lutein helps keep the macula free of free radical damage. Free radical damage of the macula leads to its thinning, which is known as macular degeneration, one of the leading causes of blindness. Recent studies have also shown that Lutein may be helpful in preventing cataracts and glaucoma, as well as certain cancers and artherosclerosis.
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