Bilberries Help to Improve GI Health

Bilberries, closely related to the North American blueberry, are rich in anthocyanins, a potent antioxidant compound. Gerhard Rogler, from University Hospital of Zurich (Switzerland), and colleagues exposed lab mice to a chemical that induced inflammation in the colon, resulting in colitis. The animals were subsequently divided into three groups: one group received a diet supplemented with 20% dried bilberries, the second group had their diet supplemented with 1% anthocyanins, and the third group was supplemented with 10% anthocyanins. The animals that consumed dried bilberries a decrease in the secretion of pro-inflammatory compounds, and showed a marked reduction in the severity of colitis. As well, the anthocyanin-supplemented groups also exhibited reduced inflammation in the intestine. Observing that: “Taken together, ingestion of dried bilberries had positive effects on various parameters,” the study authors conclude that: “Oral administration of [anthocyanins] resulted in an amelioration of acute colitis as well as chronic colitis.”