What is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a blackish-brown sticky substance, that is formed by the slow decomposition of plants and minerals on the rocks of the Himalayas.
Shilajit has been used for centuries in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and contains an important compound known as fulvic acid and various minerals, which are beneficial for the human body.
People have been using Shilajit for centuries to cure various problems from Alzheimer’s to impotence in men.
In this blog, we will learn about the possible shilajit benefits, shilajit side effects, dosage and preparation, and more.
9 Amazing Shilajit Benefits on Health
1. Alzheimer’s disease
Shilajit, rich in fulvic acid, according to research is believed to slow down or prevent the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s is a kind of dementia that affects the thinking, memory, and behavior of the person.
An antioxidant named fulvic acid is the main component of the Shilajit. Fulvic acid is a powerful antioxidant that plays a vital role in preventing the accumulation of tau protein, further contributing to cognitive health.
Though Tau proteins are important for the nervous system, unwanted production of them may lead to brain cell damage.
According to research, the presence of fulvic acid in shilajit may prevent the unwanted growth of Tau protein. Thus, reducing inflammation, improves cognitive functions, hence potentially improving Alzheimer’s symptoms.
2. Slows down Aging
Shilajit benefits people with longevity and may slows down aging process. As you read above, shilajit contains a strong anti-oxidant and an anti-inflammatory compound called fulvic acid.
This compound may also help reduce free radicals and cellular damage in the body, which are the two factors contributing to aging.
Thus, shilajit may benefit by improving longevity. and slowing down the aging process..
3. Male fertility and testosterone
There are many shilajit benefits for men including increasing Male fertility and testosterone.
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males but some men experience low testosterone levels due to various circumstances. The symptoms of low testosterone levels include-
- A low sex drive
- Loss of hair
- Loss of muscle mass
- Fatigue
- Increased body fat
A study published in the journal Andrologia studied the effect of shilajit in 35 infertile males. During the test 100mg of shilajit in capsule form was provided to them regularly for 90 days.
The results were surprising as 28 out of 30 men showed significant increases in total sperm count, sperm motility, and the amount of healthy sperm, a measure of how well the sperm move.
Thus eating shilajit regularly may benefit men with high testosterone levels and an increase in sperm count.
4. Altitude sickness
Shilajit may also help reducing the symptoms of Altitude sickness. High altitude sickness occurs when a person walks or climbs to a higher altitude, or elevation, too quickly. When you go to higher altitudes, the atmospheric pressure drops and the availability of oxygen decreases, causing High altitude sickness.
The symptoms of High altitude sickness include-
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue and loss of energy
- Shortness of breath
- Problems with sleep
- Loss of appetite
According to researchers, shilajit may help overcome High altitude sickness as it contains fulvic acid and more than 84 minerals.
It has a lot of amazing properties which can help counteract many symptoms associated with higher altitudes.
- As an antioxidant to improve your body’s immunity and memory,
- An anti-inflammatory,
- An energy booster,
- And a diuretic to remove excess fluid from your body.
5. Anemia
Shilajit may help recover from the condition of Anemia. Anemia is a condition in which the person lacks the required healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to the body’s tissues. It can occur due to a low-iron diet, blood loss, or an inability to absorb iron.
Symptoms of Anemia includes-
- weakness
- fatigue
- headache
- irregular heartbeat
- cold hands and feet
However, eating shilajit regularly may help increase the level of iron in the body. Hence helping recover from the condition of anemia.
6. Chronic fatigue syndrome
Shilajit may help you with Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) also. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome is a complex disorder in which the person suffers extreme fatigue. This fatigue remains for at least six months and can’t be fully explained by an underlying medical condition.
CFS even makes daily activities very challenging, even going to school or work. The fatigue doesn’t improve with rest but worsens with physical or mental activity.
CFS is generally linked with mitochondrial dysfunction which occurs when your body cells don’t produce enough energy.
According to various studies and research, shilajit may help naturally boost the body’s mitochondrial function. Hence, help in improving energy levels.
7. Heart health
Shilajit may also help in protecting and improving heart health. A study tested the cardiac performance of shilajit on rats.
The results were in support of the shilajit, as the rats who were given shilajit before cardiac injury faces fewer cardiac lesions.
However, it is not advisable to intake shilajit if suffering from active heart disease.
Side effects of Shilajit
Shilajit being an ayurvedic herb is natural and safe, however, you should not intake raw or unprocessed shilajit.
As, it contains heavy metal ions, fungus, free radicals, and other contaminations that can make you sick.
Due to insufficient research, there is not much known about the short-term or long-term safety of shilajit. However, a few side effects of shilajit may be noted-
- Intake of shilajit may increase iron levels, hence people with high iron levels in their blood should avoid it.
- It may also increase the production of uric acid in the body, hence may worsen conditions such as gout
- Children and Pregnant or breastfeeding women should always avoid shilajit in any form.
How to use Shilajit? Shilajit dosage
Shilajit is available on market in two forms- powder and liquid form.
However, you should always buy fully purified and ready-to-use Shilajit, as unfiltered or raw may mack you fall sick.
The recommended dosage of shilajit is around 300-500mg per day.
Dissolve a pea-size portion of shilajit in lukewarm water and drink one to three times a day according to the instructions.
Also, you should always consult your doctor before the regular intake of shilajit and leave if you face any side effects such as rash, increased heart rate, or dizziness.
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