Dried bilberries can be taken as they are, but it is better to take a concentrated solutionof the fruit juice and drink and drink a wineglassful as required;
Health Benefits
Bilberry flavonoids strengthen the blood capillaries and improve circulation. This property may help prevent and treat problems such as chilblains, broken veins, varicose veins and poor circulation in diabetics;
Bilberry extract has been shown to help a range of eye problems. Bilberry extract taken in combination with 20mg of beta-carotene a day may improve adaptation to light and night vision;
May help the body resist illness. Bilberry anthocyanin flavonoids have antioxidant, anti-infective and anti-inflammatory actions;
Counters urinary tract infections. Blueberries contain the same compound that in cranberries prevents the main bacteria that cause urinary tract infections from gaining a hold on the bladder wall;
Traditionally used to treat diarrhoea. Eating bilberries or blueberries fresh or dried is an old remedy for diarrhoea;
Bilberries contain a significant preventive and curative antiulcer activity, which are attributed to the group of compounds in the berries themselves called anthocyanosides. This flavonoid is also common to all red and blue berries such as blackberries, cherries, blueberries and hawthorn;
The fluid extract or powder of dried bilberries has been amply documented to benefit problems of circulatory insufficiency in the extremities including feet and legs, hands and arms, as well as the head area;
In fact, the extract is well documented to reduce and even reverse damage caused by actual blood-vessel deterioration or inflammation;
It strengthens the entire vascular system and prevents leakage of fluids or cells from capillaries;
Strengthens coronary arteries and helps prevent obstruction of heart arteries by accumulation of digested fat;
Bilberry also inhibits the degradation of blood platelets;
Extract of bilberry is quite useful for the prevention and treatment of haemorrhaging and the formation of blood clots. It prevents venous insufficiency causing swelling of the ankles and feet-especially during pregnancy or as people age.
Bilberries increase enzymatic activity and energy production in the eye. Thus, it enables the eyes to receive and transmit signals better and more rapidly
Blackcurrants are very high in vitamin C and also provide significant amounts of vitamin E and carotenes;
High potassium level;
Health Benefits
People who eat more of foods rich in antioxidants have been shown to have a lower rate ofheart disease, stroke,cataracts and cancer;
Anthocyanin flavonoids counter the common bacteria that cause food poisoning and urinary tract infections. The high pectin level of blackcurrants can also help relieve diarrhoea, for which the fruit is traditionally used;
Anthocyanin flavonoids are anti-inflammatory, which explains why a blackcurrant drink helps to relieve a swollen, sore throat and may also be linked to its traditional use for rheumatism. Blackcurrant seeds contain 25-30% gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), a fatty acid;
Extracted from the seeds, GLA is used to treat inflammation associated withrheumatism and skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. In theory, the amount of blackcurrants most people eat provides too little GLA to benefit these ailments but traditional use for rheumatism suggests they are worth trying. Grind the seeds to help make the GLA available to the body;
Diuretic with a high potassium level;
Diuretic often help those who suffer from high blood pressure and rheumatism, but deplete their potassium levels. Blackcurrants combine a diuretic effect with a high level of potassium;
Helps prevent and treat urinary tract infections, particularly cystitis in women;
The most common bacteria causing urinary tract infections, Escherichia coli, thrives by attaching itself to the walls of the intestines and bladder. An unidentified substance in cranberry discourages the adhesion;
Can help the body’s defences – Cranberries are anti-fungal and antiviral (but not against the Candid albicans fungus that causes thrush);
May aid kidney stone sufferers- in those with kidney stones, small amounts of cranberries may help lower urine levels of calcium, preventing stone formation;
Gooseberry have about them certain nutritional properties that help to lower serum cholesterol in the circulating blood plasma by assisting fat metabolism within the liver;
They have a high sugar- low-protein and fat content pulp;
Rich in vitamin C and bioflavonoids;
Health Benefits
These berries are active in the treatment of heart palpitations, angina, and stroke. This action is attributed in part, on the bioflavonoids such as rutin and hesperidin andvitamin C present in the berries;