Shilajit, also called mineral pitch, is the result of a long process of breaking down plant matter and minerals. It is a sticky, black, tar-like substance that comes from rocks in high mountain ranges.
Shilajit was traditionally sourced in India and Tibet, though it is now found in many other countries.
Shilajit has been used in traditional Indian Ayurvedic medicine for centuries, and the compounds in it appear to be beneficial for many conditions. In this article, learn about the benefits and possible side effects of this naturally-occurring substance.
When it is used correctly, shilajit may have several benefits for the body. This may be due in part to the high concentration of fulvic and humic acids, as well as many minerals.
Brain function
The numerous compounds found in shilajit may be helpful for brain function, and may even aid Alzheimer’s therapy.
A study in the International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease noted that shilajit is traditionally used for longevity and to slow aging. The compounds in it may help control cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer’s.
Researchers expect shilajit to have an impact in preventing cognitive disorders, but more research is needed to explore these possibilities.
Aging
One study noted that fulvic acid, one of the key compounds in shilajit, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound. As such, it may help reduce free radicals and cellular damage in the body, which are two key factors in aging.
Daily supplementation of shilajit may contribute to overall vitality and a slower aging process in some people.
Anemia
Anemia develops when the blood does not have enough healthy cells or hemoglobin. There are many causes of anemia, including iron deficiency.
Iron deficiency anemia can cause numerous symptoms in the body, including:
irregular heartbeat
fatigue and weakness
cold hands and feet
headache
Shilajit contains high levels of humic acid and iron, which may be helpful in treating iron deficiency anemia. It is important to explore this option with a doctor before taking supplements, however.
Male fertility and testosterone
Shilajit is quickly gaining ground as a health supplement optimum for men nowadays. In fact, many use it as an aid during resistance training.
One of the most popular reasons for its use is fertility and libido. Anecdotal records claim that it was heavily used to improve fertility along with other herbs valued in Ayurvedic medicine.
Others even used it as an aphrodisiac and were claimed to improved libido.
A study has established that mineral pitch may significantly increase sperm count and motility (the sperm’s ability to move, that aids in fertilization of the female egg).
The study employed a group of oligospermic males (infertile men) who took mumijo regularly for three months.
More than 60% of the subjects showed results where sperm count has increased, and around 12% of the participants recorded better sperm motility.
Some even regained fertility capability after use. Sperm quality also improved.
The researchers observed the incorporation of some of the significant constituents of shilajit in the semen.
One of the most popular reasons for its use is fertility and libido. Anecdotal records claim that it was heavily used to improve fertility along with other herbs valued in Ayurvedic medicine.
Others even used it as an aphrodisiac and were claimed to improved libido.
A study has established that mineral pitch may significantly increase sperm count and motility (the sperm’s ability to move, that aids in fertilization of the female egg).
The study employed a group of oligospermic males (infertile men) who took mumijo regularly for three months.
More than 60% of the subjects showed results where sperm count has increased, and around 12% of the participants recorded better sperm motility.
Some even regained fertility capability after use. Sperm quality also improved.
The researchers observed the incorporation of some of the significant constituents of shilajit in the semen.
Antiviral
The wide range of minerals and compounds found in shilajit may also help fight off viruses. A research study noted that shilajit could fight off and kill many different viruses in isolated environments, including some herpes viruses.
Researchers commented that while it does appear to be effective, more studies carried out with live subjects are needed to back up these claims.
Chronic fatigue
A 2012 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that shilajit helped reduce symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome in test subjects.
Researchers noted that shilajit might help improve cell functions in the body, which means it may reduce fatigue at the source of the problem and increase energy levels naturally.
Shilajit May Increase Fat Loss
For those who seek to lose unwanted body fat, shilajit is an option to consider. With its ability to boost metabolism and improve blood glucose levels, shilajit is a tool that we can use. This tool can fit right into the tool belt of well done fat loss program. While exercise and nutrition are the foundation, shilajit could supplement a lifestyle that focuses on fat loss.
Shilajit Improves Focus and Concentration
Today’s overwhelming and stimulating world makes it hard to concentrate. Anything we can do to fight against the distractions of the day should be considered. Shilajit is in the early stages of earning the title as a nootropic. Nootropics are ingredients that help to enhance memory and cognitive function. Shilajit falls into this category because of the effects it has on focus and concentration.
Shilajit Improves Recovery Time
Reducing fatigue and speeding up the recovery process is of high priority for most exercise enthusiasts. Shilajit can help you in this battle. Shilajit has been shown to reduce fatigue induced declines in strength. This helps to ensure that we are getting greater workload to our muscle. Also, the muscles to follow will not suffer from our already expended energy. Altitude sickness .One of the claims made by traditional practitioners is that shilajit can help alleviate altitude sickness. The changes in pressure at high altitudes can greatly affect some people. Symptoms of altitude sickness range from body pain and fatigue to lung congestion and low oxygen in the brain.
Shilajit is a complex substance that contains more than 80 different minerals, as well as fulvic acid and humic acid. Because of this broad spectrum of beneficial components, shilajit is thought to help reduce many symptoms of altitude sickness.
It may help improve the brain’s cognitive processes, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation, all of which could lessen altitude sickness.
Heart health
Shilajit may also protect the heart and improve heart health. A recent study using rats noted the protective effects shilajit has on the heart.
Animals who were treated with shilajit prior to cardiac injury had less damage to the heart than those who were not given shilajit.
It is important to note that shilajit may reduce blood pressure in some cases and should not be taken by anyone who has an active heart condition.
Obesity
Carrying extra weight can tire the muscles and put stress on the bones. A study in the Journal of Medicinal Food noted that people who were obese who took an oral supplement of purified shilajit responded better to exercise than those who did not.
Researchers noted that the shilajit seemed to activate genes in the body that helped the skeletal muscles quickly adapt to the new workout. This could mean less fatigue and more strength over time.
Liver cancer
Shilajit also shows promise in fighting against certain types of cancer cells. One study found that shilajit helped force the destruction of cancerous cells in the liver.
It also stopped these cancer cells from multiplying. Researchers noted that their results show that shilajit has an anti-cancer effect, but more studies are needed.
Shilajit is available as a powder or as a supplement that can be dissolved in milk or water.
A person can dissolve a pea-sized portion of shilajit in liquid and drink it up to three times a day, depending on the instructions on the package.
The recommended dose of shilajit is 300 to 500 milligrams per day
Is it safe?
Research suggests that shilajit is safe for long-term use as a dietary supplement. However, there are some potential side effects of using shilajit.
Shilajit may lower blood pressure, which can be dangerous for people on high blood pressure medications. People with an active heart disease or with a history of hypotension should avoid taking shilajit to prevent a drop in blood pressure.
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