A close relative of the blueberry, cranberry and huckleberry, the wild bilberry is loaded with potent antioxidants including flavanoids and anthocyanins. Bilberries also have high levels of tannins which are astringent, plant polyphenols. These major components are responsible for bilberry's powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Sometimes referred to as the “European blueberry”, wild bilberries have been used in traditional European medicine for over one thousand years.

The flavonoid compounds found in bilberries, called anthocyanins are plant pigments which have amazing anti-aging, anti-oxidant and healing qualities. anthocyanin can fight free radicals in the body, strengthen blood capillaries and improve overall circulatory health. Bilberries are smaller than blueberries and their pigment is evenly distributed throughout the skin and flesh of the skin, unlike blueberries where the main amount of pigment resides in the skin of the berry. The anthocyanins found in this berry can also prevent blood clots, a leading cause of heart attack and stroke. Bilberry is useful in fighting numerous vascular and blood disorders such as chilblains, broken veins, varicose veins, thrombosis and angina. It has even been known to reduce damage of blood vessel deterioration and the degradation of blood platelets due to its ability to restore tissue connectivity. Bilberries can strengthen coronary arteries and prevent coronary blockages by fighting the accumulation of digested fat.

Wild bilberries have long been used as a natural remedy for night vision and to promote overall visual health. British Royal Air Force pilots were known to eat bilberry preserve during World War II to help them see clearly during night missions. It has been said that one single dose of this powerful berry could improve a person's night vision within mere hours! Daily use can improve visual acuity and can help a person's eyes to adjust during the dark of night as well as the glare of bright daylight due to the protection of rhodopsin or retinal purple in the eye. The Bilberry may even help a variety of eye disorders including glaucoma, nearsightedness, cataracts and macular degeneration a disorder that can lead to blindness. Bilberry has been helpful to diabetics who have suffered visual problems due to microcirculation and diabetes mellitus.

Some of the possible health benefits of the Bilberry:

* Alleviate diarrhea
* Improve and maintain vision
* Lower blood sugar levels
* Reduce inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis
* Increase blood supply to the nervous system
* Improve overall circulatory health
* Improve capillary function
* Fight urinary tract infections
* Anti-ulcer properties

Bilberries have been used for years to aid a variety of illnesses and to improve overall circulatory health and to promote healthy vision. With amazing healing qualities, antioxidant properties and the powerful anthocyanins, you may see that our wild Bilberry powder is right for you!

Suggested Use: Mix 1 - 2 teaspoons with juice, yogurt or add to your favorite smoothie.

Botanical Name: Vaccinium Myrtillus

Other Names: Whortleberries, European blueberry, bog berry, hurtle berry

Origin: Ecuador - Wildcrafted

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the best raw and organic products available. Our raw wild Bilberry powder passes our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals, and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalfoods.com offers Bilberry powder packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your wild Bilberry Fruit powder in a cool, dark, dry place.