Bilberry extract may help keep blood sugar in check, according to a recently published study. In tests on mice, scientists discovered that the antioxidant-rich extract helped lower the animals' blood sugar levels and increase their insulin sensitivity.
The study involved mice predisposed to develop diabetes. Among those fed a bilberry-enriched diet for five weeks, researchers observed significantly greater activation of an enzyme known to regulate insulin secretion. Called AMP-activated protein kinase (or AMPK), this enzyme has also been found to promote the breakdown of fat. In the study, AMPK appeared to help control the mice's abnormally high blood sugar levels.
A fruit closely related to blueberries, bilberry is often used in natural treatment of eye conditions (such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts). The antioxidants in bilberry are also thought to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, as well as curb inflammation.
