bilberry for improved night vision

The ability to see in poor light depends on the presence of a substance in the eye called rhodopsin, or visual purple. It is destroyed by bright light but rapidly regenerates in the dark. However, for some people, the adaptation to darkness or the recovery from glare takes an unusually long time. The herb bilberry, a close relative of the American blueberry, is the most commonly mentioned natural treatment for impaired night vision. The active components of bilberry, called anthocyanosides, are powerful antioxidants, which help repair tissue and strengthen blood vessels. Studies have shown that bilberry may prevent cataracts and help treat age-related macular degeneration and the eye damage that occurs in some people with diabetes (diabetic retinopathy). Anthocyanosides also enhance the function of a compound in the eye that is responsible for night vision. British World War II pilots reported improved night vision after eating bilberries. Bilberry (400 mg) is one of the ingredients of Eye Combo from Nepatica. The other ingredients are Ginkgo biloba (100 mg), Grape seed (100 mg), Tomato (100 mg) and Lutein (5 mg). Read more!

facts about the eye and vision and some useful herbs

The eyes are complex sensory organs. They are designed to optimize vision under conditions of varying light. Their location, on the outside of the face, makes them susceptible to trauma, environmental chemicals and particles, and infectious agents. The eyelids are the major protective mechanism for the eye.Studies has shown that the early detection and treatment of eye disease, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease. According to the National Eye Institute, at least half of all cases of blindness can be prevented. Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism are common eye problems. When we get older many of us face more serious eye problems. Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the world, affects nearly 20.5 million Americans; 2.2 million have been diagnosed with glaucoma, and another 2 million are unaware they have it; and more than 1.6 million Americans over 60 have advanced macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness and visual impairment in Americans over 60. It is very important to take good care of our eyes. Some useful herbs in order to help the eyes are:

Bilberry.Bilberry protects the eye and improves vision. The herb contains Vitamins A and C, which gives antioxidant protection which can help prevent free radical damage to the eyes. Vitamin A is required for sharp vision, while Vitamin C helps form collagen and is needed for growth and repair of tissue cells and blood vessels. Bilberry has long been a remedy for poor vision and "night blindness." Clinical tests confirm that given orally it improves visual accuracy in healthy people, and can help those with eye diseases such as, retinitis, glaucoma, and myopia Bilberry works by improving the microcirculation and regeneration of retinal purple, a substance required for good eyesight. The substance that gives bilberries its pharmacological activity is its anthocyanosides. Anthocyanosides strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and stabilize all tissues containing collagen, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.
Ginkgo Biloba. Ginkgo is one of the oldest living tree species and its leaves are among the most widely studied botanicals in use today. Ginkgo leaves contains two types of chemicals (flavonoids and terpenoids) believed to have potent antioxidant properties. The flavonoids found in Ginkgo are useful against some retinal problems (problems to the back part of the eye). Retinal damage has various potential causes, including diabetes and macular degeneration. Macular degeneration) is a progressive, degenerative eye disease that normally affects older adults and is the number one cause of blindness in the United States. Studies suggest that gingko may help preserve vision in those with ARMD. The antioxidant in Ginkgo also protects cell membranes and venous integrity, improving their flexibility as well as resistance to free-radical damage. Ginkgo also benefits the eyes by allowing more blood and oxygen to be delivered to the head.
Grape Seed Extract.Grape seed extract is an extract from grape seeds. The antioxidant properties of grape seed extract helps to slow down the aging process. Procyanidins, a group of compounds found in the extract increase the effectiveness of other antioxidants, especially vitamin C and vitamin E, by helping them regenerate after neutralizing free radicals in the blood and tissue. Since Grape seed extract have an impact on even the tiniest blood vessels, it benefits circulation in the eye. It is very useful in the combat against macular degeneration and cataracts, two of the most common causes of blindness in older people. Grape Seed extract is also helpful for persons who spend a lot of time in front a computer because it can reduce eyestrain connected to computer monitor work and improve contrast vision.
Tomato.Lycopene is one of a family of pigments called carotenoids, which occur naturally in fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes. In one study, lycopene and a wide range of dietary carotenoids were detected in high concentrations in ciliary body and retinal pigment epithelium, which leads researchers to believe that lycopene and other carotenoids, like lutein and zeaxanthin, may play a role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other blinding disorders. In addition to their center-stage phytonutrient, lycopene, tomatoes are filled with traditional nutrients that have been shown in many studies to be helpful for all various health conditions. For example, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, the latter notably through its concentration of carotenoids including beta-carotene. These antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and cell membranes, escalating inflammation and the progression or severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, asthma, and colon cancer. In fact, high intakes of these antioxidants have been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of all of these illnesses. naturally present in whole tomatoes.
Lutein.Lutein is a carotenoid (a natural colorant or pigment) found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, plus various fruits and corn. Lutein provides nutritional support to our eyes and skin the only organs of the body directly exposed to the outside environment. There is very good evidence that the lutein in food helps protect against cataracts and macular degeneration, two common, age-related eye disorders. The pigment lutein (from the Latin lutea, meaning "yellow") is one of over 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Lutein may play a role in slowing the age-related degeneration of these tissues, both directly as an antioxidant, and indirectly by absorbing blue light. Lutein and its related compound zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula, providing a yellow color known as the macular pigment (MP).The macular pigment protects the macula from the damaging photo-oxidative effects of blue light. Of the about 600 carotenoids present in nature, only a few are present in human serum. Of those, only lutein and zeaxanthin are present in the macula. These facts indicate that lutein plays an important role in eye health. Various studies indicate that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye, and studies show that lutein may reduce blue light intensity by up to 90%.

These herbs Bilberry (400 mg), Ginkgo biloba (100 mg), Grape seed (100 mg), Tomato (100 mg) and Lutein (5 mg). together forms Eye Combo. Read more!

ginkgo biloba a powerful antioxidant for vision

Many scientists believe that ginkgo biloba is one of oldest living species of tree. Ginkgo trees can live up to 1,000 years. The leaves of the tree are used for their medicinal effects. Ginkgo biloba has antioxidant powers in the brain, retina of the eye, and in the cardiovascular system. Research shows that Ginkgo biloba can help people with macular degeneration, an oxidation-related disorder causing decreased or lost vision. A study showed that ginkgo improved the distance-vision of people who showed signs of degeneration in the retina. Macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness, is strongly related to hemorrhages in the fine blood vessels in the eye, possibly due to oxidative stress. By strengthening the tiny blood vessels in the eye, and by acting as an antioxidant, ginkgo provides a strong protection against eye diseases. Ginkgo biloba mainly has two active ingredients: flavone glycosides and terpene lactones. Ginkgo flavone glycosides are primarily responsible for ginkgos antioxidant effects and the terpene lactones are responsible for Ginkgo's ability to increase blood circulation to the brain and other parts of the body. Read more about Eye Combo.

more about antioxidants

Antioxidants are substances that may protect cells from the damage caused by unstable molecules known as free radicals Antioxidants interact with and stabilize free radicals and may prevent some of the damage free radicals otherwise might cause. Antioxidant is a classification of several organic substances, including vitamins C and E, vitamin A (which is converted from beta-carotene), selenium (a mineral), and a group known as the carotenoids. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals as the natural by-product of normal cell processes. Free radicals are molecules with incomplete electron shells which make them more chemically reactive than those with complete electron shells. Exposure to various environmental factors, such as tobacco smoke, pollution and radiation, can also lead to free radical formation. In humans, the most common form of free radicals is oxygen. When an oxygen molecule (O2) becomes electrically charged it tries to steal electrons from other molecules, causing damage to the DNA and other molecules. Over time, such damage may become irreversible and lead to disease including cancer. Eye Combo from Nepatica is a excellent source of antioxidants, the ingredients are 400 mg of Bilberry 100 mg Ginkgo Biloba, 100mg Grape Seed Extract, 100 mg Tomato and 5 mg Lutein.

bilberry and eye health

Bilberry also known as European blueberry, Huckleberry, Whortleberry, Burren Myrtle and with the scientific name Vaccinium myrtillus has been used for hundreds of years as food and for their high nutritive value. It has also been used as a folk medicinal treatment for disorders of the urinary system, including urinary infections and kidney stones, and for diarrhea and dysentery. Bilberry is different from the American blueberry because the meat is dark purple, whereas the American version has cream color. In Europe, bilberries are part of the conventional medical treatment of different eye disorders, such as cataracts, macular degeneration, night blindness and diabetic retinopathy. The substance that gives bilberries its pharmacological activity is its anthocyanosides. Anthocyanosides strengthen the walls of blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and stabilize all tissues containing collagen, such as cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. In two controlled studies, bilberry improved visual acuity at night, and it also shortened the time the eyes needed to adapt to dark lighting conditions and recover from glare all important if you want to drive safely in the dark.

more about lutein and eye health

Lutein is a carotenoid (a natural colorant or pigment) found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, plus various fruits and corn. Lutein provides nutritional support to our eyes and skin the only organs of the body directly exposed to the outside environment. There is very good evidence that the lutein in food helps protect against cataracts and macular degeneration, two common, age-related eye disorders. The pigment lutein (from the Latin lutea, meaning "yellow") is one of over 600 known naturally occurring carotenoids. Lutein may play a role in slowing the age-related degeneration of these tissues, both directly as an antioxidant, and indirectly by absorbing blue light. Lutein and its related compound zeaxanthin are highly concentrated in the macula, providing a yellow color known as the macular pigment (MP).The macular pigment protects the macula from the damaging photo-oxidative effects of blue light. Of the about 600 carotenoids present in nature, only a few are present in human serum. Of those, only lutein and zeaxanthin are present in the macula. These facts indicate that lutein plays an important role in eye health. Various studies indicate that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye, and studies show that lutein may reduce blue light intensity by up to 90%.

Most people consume lutein as part of a normal diet containing fruits and vegetables, but we can all gain from taking lutein in supplement as well. A lot of the foods grown and distributed today lack a healthy nutritional content, because of pollution, poor soil, and long storage periods. That means most people would benefit from taking supplements with lutein. Eye Combo is a supplement with Bilberry (400 mg), Ginkgo biloba (100 mg), Grape seed (100 mg), Tomato (100 mg) and Lutein (5 mg). Based on a study described by Laurie Deutsch Mozian in her book, Foods that Fight Disease, a dietary intake of only six milligrams of lutein per day decreases your chances of developing age-related macular degeneration by 43 percent. The suggested use of Eye Combo is two capsules a day.

tomatoes, lycopene and eye health

Lycopene is one of a family of pigments called carotenoids, which occur naturally in fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes. Other carotenoids include alpha- and beta-carotene, lutein, etc. Lycopene is the pigment that makes tomatoes red. The redder the tomato, the more lycopene is present. Numerous studies suggest that lycopene levels in the blood may be associated with reduced incidence of prostate, digestive tract, breast, lung and cervical cancer as well as cardiovascular disease and age-related macular degeneration - the most common form of blindness for elderly people in the western world. In one study, lycopene and a wide range of dietary carotenoids were detected in high concentrations in ciliary body and retinal pigment epithelium, which leads researchers to believe that lycopene and other carotenoids, like lutein and zeaxanthin, may play a role in the prevention of age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and other blinding disorders.

In addition to their center-stage phytonutrient, lycopene, tomatoes are filled with traditional nutrients that have been shown in many studies to be helpful for all various health conditions. For example, tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A, the latter notably through its concentration of carotenoids including beta-carotene. These antioxidants travel through the body neutralizing dangerous free radicals that could otherwise damage cells and cell membranes, escalating inflammation and the progression or severity of atherosclerosis, diabetic complications, asthma, and colon cancer. In fact, high intakes of these antioxidants have been shown to help reduce the risk or severity of all of these illnesses. In addition, tomatoes are a very good source of fiber, which has been shown to lower high cholesterol levels, keep blood sugar levels from getting too high, and help prevent colon cancer. Recent research clearly shows that tomatoes' protective effects against prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease are due not simply to their lycopene content, but result from the synergy of lycopene with other phytonutrients naturally present in whole tomatoes.

eye health, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD)

Studies have shown that the early detection and treatment of eye disease, before it causes major vision loss, is the best way to control the disease. According to the National Eye Institute, at least half of all cases of blindness can be prevented. Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, and astigmatism are common eye problems. When we get older many of us face more serious eye problems. Cataracts, the leading cause of blindness in the world, affects nearly 20.5 million Americans; 2.2 million have been diagnosed with glaucoma, and another 2 million are unaware they have it; and more than 1.6 million Americans over 60 have advanced macular degeneration, the most common cause of blindness and visual impairment in Americans over 60.

Cataracts are the leading cause of decreased vision in adults older than 65 and is the most common surgical procedure for elderly Americans. A cataract is a clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye. It can be compared to a window that is frosted or yellowed. The amount and pattern of cloudiness within the lens can vary. If the cloudiness is not near the center of the lens, you may not be aware that a cataract is present. Common symptoms of cataract include a painless blurring of vision; glare, or light sensitivity; double vision in one eye; and fading or yellowing of colors. There are numerous causes of cataract such as free radicals natural, by-products of metabolism are highly reactive chemicals that cause oxidation which in turn causes aging. Physical injury to the vertebrae or neck, or any stress which reduces eye movement and increases muscle tension. Toxins, pharmaceutical drugs, and smoking. Diabetes, high levels of sugar in the blood contribute to cataract formation.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a disease associated with aging that gradually destroys sharp, central vision. Central vision is needed for seeing objects clearly and for common daily tasks such as reading and driving. AMD affects the macula, the part of the eye that allows us to see fine detail. The macula is located in the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. The retina instantly converts light, or an image, into electrical impulses. The retina then sends these impulses, or nerve signals, to the brain. In some cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a loss of vision in both eyes.

AMD occurs in two forms: wet and dry. Wet AMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels behind the retina start to grow under the macula. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile and often leak blood and fluid. The blood and fluid raise the macula from its normal place at the back of the eye. Damage to the macula occurs rapidly. Dry AMD occurs when the light-sensitive cells in the macula slowly break down, gradually blurring central vision in the affected eye. Over time, as less of the macula functions, central vision is gradually lost in the affected eye. The most common symptom of dry AMD is slightly blurred vision. Dry AMD generally affects both eyes, but vision can be lost in one eye while the other eye seems unaffected. Even though only 10 percent of all people with AMD have the wet type, it accounts for 90 percent of all blindness from the disease. As dry AMD worsens, new blood vessels may begin to grow and cause “wet” AMD. These new blood vessels tend to be very fragile, and they often leak blood and fluid under the macula, which further deteriorates the macula, causing rapid and severe vision loss.

lutein and eye health

Lutein is an antioxidant, belonging to the carotenoid family. Lutein can be found in dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, collards, kale and broccoli, various fruits and corn. Egg yolks are also sources of lutein.. Lutein provides nutritional support to our eyes and skin – the only organs of the body directly exposed to the outside environment. Lutein is found in a concentrated area of the macula, a small area of the retina responsible for central vision. The hypothesis for the natural concentration is that lutein helps protect from oxidative stress and high-energy light. Various research studies have shown that a direct relationship exists between lutein intake and pigmentation in the eye. Several studies also show that an increase in macula pigmentation decreases the risk for eye diseases such as Age-related Macular Degeneration. Lutein is one of the ingredients of Eye Combo. The other ingredients are Bilberry, Ginkgo biloba, Grape seed and Tomato