THE GOOD LIFE LETTER

[Guest guest]

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My Dad likes to tell an unusual story about my

grandma's visit to a department store in the '80s...

 

While on the escalator between floors, she was startled

by the sight of a woman descending on an opposite

escalator.

 

She waved at the woman, and the woman waved back.

 

" Ooooh, " she said, " I think I know this lady. "

 

" Of course you do, " cried my Dad, " It's YOU! "

 

It turns out that my grandma was waving at her own

reflection in an enormous mirror.

 

To this day, I don't know whether she didn't recognise

herself, or whether the confusion was down to her

eyesight.

 

I've always liked to boast about my 20/20 vision (you've

got to have something to laud over your four-eyed

friends!) but I know that this won't last forever.

 

Inevitably, all eyes degenerate with age. And for me, it

certainly runs in the family.

 

There is some hope, though, and it comes in the form of

an amazing berry...

 

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What World War II taught us about jam

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Here's another of my extraordinary facts for you to

enjoy...

 

In World War II, British Royal Air Force pilots discovered

that during their nightly bombing runs, their sight was

much better if they'd been eating bilberry jam.

 

" I say, " muttered Air Marshall Smith, " Our breakfast

could be the key to winning this war! "

 

These claims led to a great deal of research into the

effects of bilberry fruit extracts on the eyes until, in the

1960s, scientists at last realised why the jam was so

beneficial.

 

Bilberries contain anthocyanosides, chemicals that

improve blood circulation and protect fragile capillaries in

the eyes.

 

These enzymes are crucial to vision and to the eye's

ability to adapt to the dark.

 

In the 1980s, Italian researchers reported that 76% of

their test subjects reported a strong improvement in their

short-sightedness after being given 150mg per day of a

blueberry extract, plus vitamin A, for 15 days

 

Further research has found that bilberry may also reduce

chronic eye fatigue, severe near-sightedness, and day

blindness.

 

Dr. Mark Stengler, author of 'A Handbook of Natural

Remedies' says:

 

" Most people notice their eyes feel much better after

they take bilberry. Patients tell me their vision improves,

their eyes get less tired and bloodshot, and they are less

prone to headaches. "

 

If you are a heavy computer user, operate machinery, or

fly bombing missions over Germany, then bilberry jam

for breakfast every day could the answer.

 

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Fight cataracts with the fruits of the land

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You could also help prevent the onset of cataracts with

bilberries.

 

In one case study, when treated with a combination of

bilberry and vitamin E, the progression of cataract

formation was halted in 97% of patients.

 

This is because Bilberry is packed with antioxidant

vitamins, A and C.

 

Many experts now believe that people suffering early-

stage cataracts could avoid surgery if they use bilberry

and vitamin E supplements.

 

The most popular bilberry supplements are extracts

consisting of 15% to 25% of 'anthocyanosides'. You

usually take 240-480 mg each day.

 

Bilberry extract is non-toxic, with no reported side-

effects... but, as always, ask for some advice before you

take supplements.

 

A better way to up your intake might be to do as our

World War II heroes did... and eat some jam every day.

 

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Try this recipe

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Because of its rich juice, the Bilberry is the fruit that

needs the least amount of sugar when turning it into jam

- just half a pound to sugar to a pound of berries.

 

To make bilberry jam, put 3 lb. of clean, fresh bilberries

in a preserving pan with 1 1/2 lb. of sugar and about one

cupful of water.

 

Bring to the boil for 40 minutes, cool and then store in

screw-top jars.

 

If you can't get hold of bilberry - and, I admit, it's hard

these days unless you buy your own seeds and grow it -

then use blueberries, a close cousin.

 

And there you have it... health-on-toast.