Billberry, blueberry. Two words for the same fruit, right? Not exactly. Billberries and blueberries are too powerhouse fruits to add to your diet but they do have some differences. After reading this article, you should run out to the grocery store and grab both. Read on to discover why.
What’s the Difference Between a Billberry And Blueberry?
So what’s the difference between a billberry and a blueberry? They’re both blue. They’re both tasty. And they’re both good for you. But compared to their more well-known sibling, wild-grown European bilberries (also known as Vaccinium myrtillus) are more intensely sweet and have much more delicate skins.
Bilberries are a deep indigo, almost black in color. These berries have found their way into every imaginable culinary delight: jams, pies, sorbets, liqueurs, and wines.
Since the early Middle Ages, dried and fresh bilberry leaves and fruit have been used for managing diabetic concerns, gastrointestinal complaints, and urinary system infections. There’s also evidence that bilberry may help alleviate eye fatigue caused by extensive computer and video monitor use.
The Health Benefits of Billberries
Extracts of bilberry are used to address age-related degeneration in the circulatory systems and diseases where inflammation is a strong underlying factor, such as heart disease and retinopathy. Bilberry fruit contains potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to their anthocyanoside (aka anthocyanidins). These plant pigments act as powerful antioxidants and may help protect the body from the damaging effects of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Adding bilberry to your daily diet is a delicious way to enjoy its health protective benefits. Incorporate a cup per day of fresh bilberries by topping off yogurt, oatmeal, or salad with fresh bilberry. For a delicious tea, simmer 1 Tb. dried berries in 2 c. of water for 20 minutes; strain and drink.
For specific health concerns, extracts of bilberry are available in capsule and tincture, both of which should be standardized to contain a specific percent of anthocyanins. Check with your health practitioner for the appropriate extract for your medical needs.
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The Health Benefits of Blueberries
Blueberries are powerful antioxidants which can strengthen your immune system against disease. They are rich in pterostilbene and resveratrol respectively. They work with vitamin D to increase CAMP gene expression, which plays a key role in the “innate” immune system, or the body’s first line of defense and ability to combat bacterial infection, which may often succeed viral infection, especially in vulnerable people.
Eat blueberries daily: though no one know the proper dose, I would start with a half cup of each, fresh or frozen. It might also be a good idea to take a vitamin high in antioxidants, such as E 400 Selenium.
Who Should Eat Billberries and Blueberries?
In short, everyone! Anyone can benefit from the anti-inflammatory properties of billberries or the antioxidants in blueberries. Try to add both and a supplement into your diet this week!
Eating more nature-based food can improve your health, but it might not be enough. Instead, supercharge your diet and your mood by spending time in nature. My Nature Dose can act as a guided, ten day plan to get outside. And it’s free! Register here.