How does Bilberry function as an eye nutrient?
Bright light decomposes rhodopsin (visual purple). Regeneration of visual purple is a slow process. Bilberries contain anthocyanosides which accelerate the production of rhodopsin. Anthocyanosides are also potent antioxidants which help improve blood flow to the eye. How were the visual benefits of bilberry discovered? During World War II British Royal Air Force pilots reported improved nighttime visual acuity on bombing raids after consuming bilberries. Later studies showed that administration of bilberry extracts to healthy subjects resulted in improved nighttime visual acuity, quicker adjustment to darkness, and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare. How does beta-carotene function as an eye nutrient? Although not found in the retina or macula as are lutein and zeaxanthin, studies have repeatedly shown that people with higher beta carotene levels in their blood have a significant reduction in the risk of eye disease, especially macular degeneration. The beta-ca
