Bilberry Supplement Philippines: What You Need to Know
As more people in the Philippines look for convenient, food-based ways to support everyday wellness and a more holistic lifestyle, the interest in the bilberry supplement Philippines space has grown. Bilberries are valued for its naturally occurring anthocyanins, which are plant pigments that provide its deep blue color and contribute to its antioxidant activity.
What is Bilberry?
Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus) – closely related to blueberry – is a small, dark-blue berry native to Northern Europe and parts of Asia. Unlike cultivated blueberries that are often larger and paler, wild bilberries typically have dark flesh throughout.
Historically used as a food and household preserve, bilberry gained modern attention for its antioxidant-rich profile and its traditional association with eye health. However, it should not be viewed as a replacement treatment for illnesses or diseases.
Bilberry Nutritional Information
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare provides the following nutritional values per 100g of bilberry:
- Protein: ~0.8 gram
- Fat: ~1.1 gram
- Carbohydrates: ~10.2 grams
- Fiber: ~3.3 grams
- Sugar: ~8.4 grams
- Vitamin C: ~7.2mg
They also contain a range of essential minerals and vitamins such as:
- B Vitamins (including B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6)
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin K
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Magnesium
- Iron
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Folate
(Source: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare)
Bilberries are particularly rich in anthocyanins, the plant compounds that give the berries their deep blue color. These antioxidants help protect the body from oxidative stress and support general well-being.
Potential Health Benefits
While bilberries should not be considered a treatment for any illness, research suggests that their nutrients and bioactive compounds could potentially support several aspects of health:
Eye Health
Bilberries contain anthocyanins that may help maintain normal eye function. Some studies suggest they can help support visual performance and help protect against oxidative damage in the eyes (Ozawa et al., 2015, J Nutr Health Aging).
Antioxidant Support
Like other berries, bilberries provide antioxidants such as vitamin C and polyphenols, which helps in neutralizing free radicals and promote overall cellular health (Sharma, A., Lee, H.J., 2022, NIH).
Circulatory Wellness
Some studies have explored bilberries’ potential role in supporting vascular function due to their anthocyanin content (Ockermann et al., 2021, NIH).
It’s important to remember that bilberries contribute to general wellness when consumed as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle. They are not meant to be a replacement for medical care, prescribed medication, or varied nutrition.
How to Add Bilberries to Your Diet
Fresh bilberries are hard to find outside of Europe, but they are often available in dried, powdered, or supplement form globally. Fresh or packaged, these berries can be added to smoothies, baked goods, or teas, but for many people, supplements are the most convenient way to include them in a daily routine. By choosing a bilberry supplement in the Philippines, you can conveniently add this antioxidant-rich fruit to your lifestyle without relying on seasonal availability.
In the Philippines, you can enjoy the benefits of bilberries through Healthmax Care Mangosteen Plus 8 Berries, a supplement that blends bilberry with other antioxidant-rich fruits – mangosteen, goji berry, hawthorn, acerola, acai berry, cranberry, grapeseed, and raspberry. This formulation helps synergize the potential of each berry, which contributes valuable nutrients that help support general well-being.
