Blueberries and their European cousins, bilberries, have long been used to regulate blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. Recent studies of mice are convincing researchers of the bilberry’s potential in helping people deal with diabetes.
A study published in Nutrition Journal describes a trial involving the examination of the effect of consuming oat meal drinks that contained bilberries or rosehips on healthy young adults. Researchers specifically looked at how these drinks influenced individuals’ glycemic indexes and insulin levels. The drinks with bilberry induced a lower insulin response. Scientists credit either the bilberry or the oat meal base. Source: Nutrition Journal (Published: 21 May 2011).
Bilberries are also known to impact eye health in remarkably positive ways. mostly due to their antioxidant properties. Studies show it has helped patients who suffer from diabetic retinopathy and cataracts, just to name a few conditions.