Health Benefits: Vision

Blueberries and Vision
Blueberries, like bilberries, may have benefits for vision.

woman's eye The potential health benefits of anthocyanins have been the subject of more than 100 studies worldwide, according to Dr. Willy Kalt of the Kentville Research Centre in Nova Scotia. Anthocyanins found in bilberries, the European cousin of the Wild Blueberry, have been linked to reducing eyestrain, controlling diabetes, improving circulation, and other health benefits. Dr. Kalt demonstrated that these same anthocyanins are found in high concentrations in the lowbush Wild Blueberry.

Scientists are currently investigating blueberries' potential to prevent macular degeneration - a disease of the retina

Interest in the health benefits of blueberries has led to Wild Blueberries being dubbed the "vision fruit" in Japan, where sales of berries and Wild Blueberry nutraceutical products have gone wild.

Blueberries and Eyesight, Food Style 21, Vol. 3 No. 3, March 1999.

Japanese researchers intent on confirming prior European research and information on the benefits of bilberries and blueberries on vision are conducting further studies.
One study took 26 people with deteriorating eyesight and divided them into two groups. For 28 days group A took 125mg of blueberry extract containing 31.25 mg anthocyanins twice a day. During these 28 days group B took a placebo. After the first 28 days the groups switched and the experiment continued for another 28 days.

Both groups were subjected to a flickering light test to determine the eye's adjustment time. The results revealed that the group taking the blueberry extract had significantly improved response times, interpreted as significantly less tired eyes. According to the study to achieve the best results people should take 62.5mg of anthocyanins per day for three weeks or more. This means taking 250mg of blueberry product.. The blueberry product did not have any side affects on the subjects studies. The study concludes that blueberry is beneficial for the prevention of weak eyesight but that it does not have much of an effect on cataracts or already weak eyes. According to the article, the best treatment for tired eyes is to relax the eyes or take time to rest. For people always on the go who don't have time to rest, blueberry is the best way to relieve tired eyes.