What country is the Bilberry bush native to?
- France
- Canada
- Russia
- South Africa
Correct Answer: Canada
Correct Answer Explanation: The Bilberry bush is native to northern areas of Europe and Asia, the northern United States, and Canada.
What does the word “bollebar” mean in Danish?
- Red Berry
- Sour Berry
- Blue Berry
- Dark Berry
Correct Answer: Dark Berry
Correct Answer Explanation: The word “bollebar” means “dark berry” in Danish. The bilberry has a dark color, hence the name.
What does the Bilberry bush resemble?
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Cranberries
- Strawberries
Correct Answer: Blueberries
Correct Answer Explanation: The bilberry bush is native to northern areas of Europe and Asia, the northern United States, and Canada. Its dark berries resemble blueberries.
What part of the Bilberry plant is used for medicinal purposes?
- The roots
- The flowers
- The berries and leaves
- The stems
Correct Answer: The berries and leaves
Correct Answer Explanation: The berries and leaves are the parts of the plant that are used for medicinal purposes.
What condition did British pilots during World War II hope to improve by eating bilberry jam?
- Fatigue
- Night Vision
- Scurvy
- Motion Sickness
Correct Answer: Night Vision
Correct Answer Explanation: British pilots during World War II ate bilberry jam, thinking it would improve their night vision.
What condition is bilberry promoted as a dietary supplement for?
- Allergies
- Arthritis
- Cataracts
- Cancer
Correct Answer: Cataracts
Correct Answer Explanation: Today, bilberry is promoted as a dietary supplement for night vision, cataracts, varicose veins, and other conditions such as atherosclerosis.
What type of polyphenols are found in high concentrations in bilberries?
- Flavonoids
- Anthocyanins
- Tannins
- Catechins
Correct Answer: Anthocyanins
Correct Answer Explanation: The berries have a high concentration of polyphenols called anthocyanins, which some studies suggest may have health benefits.
How long are bilberry extracts considered safe for consumption?
- 1 month
- 3 months
- 6 months to a year
- 2 years
Correct Answer: 6 months to a year
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry fruit is considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in foods, or as an extract for 6 months to a year.
What type of drug can bilberry potentially interact with?
- Antibiotics
- Antidepressants
- Cancer drugs
- Antihistamines
Correct Answer: Cancer drugs
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry may interact with a cancer drug called erlotinib (Tarceval), antidiabetes drugs, or medications that slow blood clotting. If you’re taking medicine, talk with your health care provider before taking bilberry supplements.
What type of study suggests that consuming bilberries may reduce gum inflammation and bleeding?
- Animal Study
- Clinical Study
- Observational Study
- Case Study
Correct Answer: Clinical Study
Correct Answer Explanation: Results from a small clinical study (24 people) suggest that consuming bilberries may reduce gum inflammation and bleeding.
What type of health professional should you talk to about any complementary health approaches you use?
- A nutritionist
- A doctor
- A therapist
- A pharmacist
Correct Answer: A doctor
Correct Answer Explanation: Take charge of your health—talk with your health care providers about any complementary health approaches you use. Together, you can make shared, well-informed decisions.
What does the scientific evidence suggest about bilberry?
- It is a very effective treatment for many health conditions.
- It is a very effective treatment for some health conditions, but more research is needed.
- There is little scientific evidence to support its use for most health conditions.
- It is a very dangerous plant and should not be consumed.
Correct Answer: There is little scientific evidence to support its use for most health conditions.
Correct Answer Explanation: There’s little scientific evidence to support the use of bilberry for many health conditions. A few recent studies have suggested possible beneficial effects of bilberry. However, these studies involved small numbers of people. More research would be needed to confirm these findings.
What is a major difference between the medicinal use of bilberry berries versus the leaves?
- The berries are more potent.
- The leaves are more potent.
- The berries are considered safe and the leaves are not.
- The leaves are considered safe and the berries are not.
Correct Answer: The berries are considered safe and the leaves are not.
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry fruit is considered safe when consumed in amounts typically found in foods, or as an extract for 6 months to a year. Bilberry leaves may be unsafe when taken orally in high doses or for long periods of time.
What is a key finding from a recent study involving office workers and bilberry extract?
- Bilberry extract can improve overall health and wellbeing.
- Bilberry extract can reduce fatigue.
- Bilberry extract can improve vision.
- Bilberry extract can reduce blood pressure.
Correct Answer: Bilberry extract can reduce fatigue.
Correct Answer Explanation: Data from a Japanese study with 88 office workers suggest that a bilberry extract helped with eye fatigue.
What is a key finding from a recent study involving runners and bilberry juice?
- Bilberry juice can improve athletic performance.
- Bilberry juice can reduce muscle soreness.
- Bilberry juice can increase endurance.
- Bilberry juice can improve recovery time.
Correct Answer: Bilberry juice can reduce muscle soreness.
Correct Answer Explanation: Data from a small study with 21 people suggest that consuming bilberry juice for 5 days before and 2 days after a half-marathon may lead to small to moderate transient increases in muscle soreness and inflammation in recreationally trained runners.
Where is bilberry typically found growing wild?
- Forests
- Deserts
- Swamps
- Meadows
Correct Answer: Forests
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry bushes grow naturally in acidic, moist soils in forests, heaths, and peat bogs.
What is a common traditional use of bilberry?
- Treats wounds
- Relieves headaches
- Prevents scurvy
- Aids digestion
Correct Answer: Prevents scurvy
Correct Answer Explanation: It’s also been used traditionally to prevent scurvy, due to its high vitamin C content.
What is the most important thing to remember when using bilberry supplements?
- Take them with food.
- Take them at night.
- Talk to your doctor first.
- Take them in small doses.
Correct Answer: Talk to your doctor first.
Correct Answer Explanation: If you’re taking medicine, talk with your health care provider before taking bilberry supplements.
How many people participated in the study that suggested bilberries may reduce gum inflammation and bleeding?
- 10
- 24
- 50
- 100
Correct Answer: 24
Correct Answer Explanation: Results from a small clinical study (24 people) suggest that consuming bilberries may reduce gum inflammation and bleeding.
What is a common way to consume bilberries?
- As a tea
- As a smoothie
- As a jam
- As a supplement
Correct Answer: As a jam
Correct Answer Explanation: During World War II, British pilots ate bilberry jam, thinking it would improve their night vision.
What color is bilberry jam?
- Red
- Green
- Purple
- Blue
Correct Answer: Purple
Correct Answer Explanation: The bilberry is a dark purple color when ripe.
What are bilberry leaves sometimes used to make?
- Tea
- Wine
- Juice
- Syrup
Correct Answer: Tea
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry leaves are often used to make tea.
What is the Latin name for bilberry?
- Vaccinium myrtillus
- Rubus fruticosus
- Vaccinium angustifolium
- Vaccinium macrocarpon
Correct Answer: Vaccinium myrtillus
Correct Answer Explanation: The Latin name for bilberry is Vaccinium myrtillus.
What is a common name for bilberry?
- Cranberry
- Huckleberry
- Strawberry
- Raspberry
Correct Answer: Huckleberry
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry is commonly called a huckleberry in some areas.
What is a common use for bilberry in the United States?
- A food ingredient
- A dietary supplement
- A medicinal herb
- A cosmetic ingredient
Correct Answer: A dietary supplement
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry is a popular dietary supplement in the United States, although its effectiveness is not fully established.
What is the recommended daily intake of bilberry?
- There is no recommended daily intake.
- 100 mg
- 250 mg
- 500 mg
Correct Answer: There is no recommended daily intake.
Correct Answer Explanation: There is no recommended daily intake for bilberry because more research is needed to establish its safety and effectiveness.
What is a possible benefit of consuming bilberries?
- Improved eyesight
- Reduced risk of heart disease
- Improved cognitive function
- Reduced risk of cancer
Correct Answer: Improved eyesight
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry is often promoted for its potential benefits for eyesight, though more research is needed.
What is a potential risk associated with consuming bilberry leaves?
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Liver damage
- Kidney damage
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry leaves may be unsafe when taken orally in high doses or for long periods of time. Potential risks include gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, and kidney damage.
What is the main reason for the lack of high-quality clinical trials on bilberry?
- Lack of funding
- Lack of interest
- Ethical concerns
- Lack of evidence for its effectiveness
Correct Answer: Lack of evidence for its effectiveness
Correct Answer Explanation: There are few high-quality clinical trials (studies in people) of bilberry supplements because there is not enough evidence to support its use for many health conditions.
Where can you usually find bilberry plants growing in the wild?
- Tropical rainforests
- Temperate forests
- Arctic tundra
- Mountain meadows
Correct Answer: Temperate forests
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry is a plant of cool temperate climates, typically found in forests and other areas with acidic soil.
What is the average size of a bilberry?
- 1 cm
- 5 cm
- 10 cm
- 20 cm
Correct Answer: 1 cm
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberries are small, round berries with a diameter of about 1 cm.
What is the typical color of a ripe bilberry?
- Red
- Green
- Purple
- Black
Correct Answer: Purple
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberries are a dark, purplish-blue color when ripe.
What is the typical taste of bilberries?
- Sweet
- Sour
- Bitter
- Sweet and tart
Correct Answer: Sweet and tart
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberries have a sweet and tart flavor, similar to blueberries.
What is the texture of bilberries?
- Soft
- Firm
- Juicy
- Dry
Correct Answer: Juicy
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberries are juicy and slightly soft when ripe.
What is the typical season for harvesting bilberries?
- Spring
- Summer
- Autumn
- Winter
Correct Answer: Summer
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry harvest season typically runs from late summer to early autumn.
What is a common way to preserve bilberries?
- Drying
- Freezing
- Canning
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberries can be preserved by drying, freezing, or canning.
What is a common way to prepare bilberries for consumption?
- Eating them fresh
- Making them into jams or pies
- Adding them to smoothies or yogurt
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberries can be enjoyed fresh, made into jams or pies, or added to smoothies or yogurt.
What is a common ingredient that is often used with bilberries?
- Lemon
- Cinnamon
- Honey
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Lemon, cinnamon, and honey are all commonly used ingredients with bilberries, as they complement the sweet and tart flavor of the berry.
What is a common cultural association with bilberries?
- They are associated with good luck.
- They are associated with good health.
- They are associated with folklore and storytelling.
- They are associated with royalty.
Correct Answer: They are associated with folklore and storytelling.
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberries have a rich history in folklore and storytelling, particularly in Nordic countries where they are a common wild berry.
What is a common saying related to bilberries?
- “A bilberry a day keeps the doctor away.”
- “Bilberries are the fruit of the gods.”
- “Bilberries are the berries of the forest.”
- “Bilberries are the berries of wisdom.”
Correct Answer: “Bilberries are the berries of the forest.”
Correct Answer Explanation: This saying captures the common association of bilberries with wild, natural landscapes.
What is a common myth about bilberries?
- They can improve eyesight.
- They can cure colds.
- They can help with weight loss.
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: While some of these claims may have some anecdotal evidence, there is not enough scientific research to support them.
What is the most important thing to remember when consuming bilberries?
- Enjoy them in moderation.
- Choose organic bilberries whenever possible.
- Store bilberries properly to prevent spoilage.
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: These are all important considerations to keep in mind when consuming bilberries to ensure they are safe and enjoyable.
What is a common alternative name for bilberry?
- Blueberry
- Huckleberry
- Whortleberry
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberry is also known as blueberry, huckleberry, and whortleberry in different regions.
What is a common way to use bilberries in cooking?
- Adding them to baked goods
- Making them into sauces or jams
- Using them as a topping for yogurt or oatmeal
- All of the above
Correct Answer: All of the above
Correct Answer Explanation: Bilberries are versatile and can be incorporated into a variety of dishes, including baked goods, sauces, and toppings.