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Article: FINDINGS OF FACT; The Legend of the Sharp-Eyed Bombers; To Find Evidence That Bilberry Can Improve Your Eyesight, You Have to Look Really Hard
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- June 6, 2000
- Author:
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Copyright informationThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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The uncertainty about the ultimate value of bilberry--purportedly
a multitalented dietary supplement promoted as a way to improve
eyesight, particularly night vision--is illustrated perfectly by its
sustaining legend.
Bilberry's reputation dates to World War II, when British Royal
Air Force pilots are said to have reported increased success in night
bombing missions after eating bilberry jam. As the story is told in
many a bilberry article, Web site and product package, the bilberry
sharpened the pilots' eyesight dramatically.
But, the counter-legend goes, the pilots' higher hit rates had
much more to do with a fact never revealed by those who tell the
bilberry tale: unbeknownst to the ...