All You Need to Know About the Health Benefits of Shilajit

Shilajit, also known as the conqueror of mountains and the destroyer of weakness is a natural, tar-like substance found in mountain ranges of Himalaya. Shilajit is popular as a rejuvenating age-old natural substance that enhances energy, vitality & is potentially helpful in improving various health conditions.

As per a recent study, shilajit helps in maintaining muscle strength and aids connective tissue adaptations.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the various Shilajit health benefits.

Top Health Benefits of Shilajit

Shilajit has been used for centuries by people all over the world for achieving good health. The benefits of shilajit have been attributed to the high concentration of minerals, fulvic and humic acids in it.

Here are the best shilajit health benefits –

• Enhances Fertility and Testosterone Levels

The substance has been used for years for increasing the levels of testosterone in men. Men who consume shilajit have a higher sperm count and sperm motility. Both these factors determine how well a sperm moves towards the egg, which in turn determines the chances of conception.

According to research, men between the age of 45 and 55 were treated with shilajit consecutively for 90 days. The total testosterone levels were significantly increased among them after a  period.

• Improves Brain Functioning

The various compounds found in shilajit are useful for improving your brain function. As per a study in the International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, shilajit slows down the process of ageing and increases longevity. The components of shilajit help in reducing the risks of cognitive problems, such as Alzheimer’s.

This is because the fulvic acid in shilajit prevents the formation of tau. This is a protein responsible for forming neurofibrillary tangles, which in turn leads to Alzheimer’s disease.

• For Treating Anaemia

One of the primary causes of anaemia is iron deficiency. You may suffer from anaemia if you do not have enough haemoglobin in your blood. It can cause fatigue, headache, weakness and irregular heartbeats. Shilajit can help you as it is packed with high levels of iron and humic acid, which will stabilize your blood iron levels.

• Altitude Sickness

Among the various shilajit benefits, curing altitude sickness is one. At high altitudes, people suffer from breathing troubles, fatigue and body pain. As shilajit has more than 80 minerals, including humic and fulvic acid, it helps patients with altitude sickness.

Shilajit also enhances the brain’s cognitive abilities, reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system. All this helps to reduce the symptoms of altitude sickness.

• Keeps You Younger

Shilajit does this by controlling the ageing process and maintaining your vitality. This is because the presence of fulvic acid, which is one of the key constituents of shilajit, has anti-inflammatory properties and functions as an antioxidant. Thus, it reduces the cell damage in your body and also the production of free radicals in your body, both of which cause ageing.

• Improves Heart Health

Perhaps the most important of the several shilajit health benefits is how it benefits the heart. Shilajit increases the levels of glutathione, an antioxidant. This is good for your heart. Moreover, humic acid reduces blood cholesterol, which in turn reduces the chances of a stroke.

• Reducing Stress and Anxiety Levels

Shilajit can increase dopamine secretion in the brain. This may reduce anxiety and stress levels.

Shilajit also has a calming effect on your body. This is due to the high levels of potassium and magnesium. These components relax your muscles, including those of your heart. This soothing effect can help in lowering the levels of stress.

• For a Better Gut

Shilajit can protect your gut from problems such as inflammation and oxidative stress. It has benzoic acid, which is antibacterial. It may help in preventing gut infections and other problems of the gut.

• May Fight Against Chronic Fatigue

Chronic Fatigue syndrome is a disorder that leaves you feeling tired even with enough rest, it is thought to be related to dysfunction in your cells’ mitochondria. Shilajit extract may help to curb this dysfunction and fight against Chronic Fatigue helping you to stay energised.

Side effects Of Shilajit Are:

Consumption of shilajit may have side effects like :

1. Weakness
2. Headache
3. Tiredness
4. Stomach ache
5. Some people may experience allergies. They may develop rashes, dizziness and an increase in heart rate.

How to consume Shilajit?

Shilajit is most commonly sold in powdered or liquid form, it will come with an appropriate preparation method on the pack. The liquid form is usually dissolved in water or milk and can be consumed 1-3 times each day. Your doctor or physician may have specific instructions for you, so check with them first. The powder form is usually mixed with a glass of milk and can also be taken daily, as per the recommendations. For most healthy people, 300-500mg is the maximum safe dose per day, for some people it may be even lower. If you have medical conditions or an allergy to this substance, it may not be safe for you.

What to look for before buying shilajit supplements?

1. Check whether the shilajit available is pure. Never buy shilajit in raw or unprocessed form. Consuming raw shilajit can make us fall sick as it may contain heavy metals, free radicals, fungus, etc.
2. Check whether shilajit is manufactured by a reputed source.
3.  Check whether the shilajit available is certified.

Conclusion

Shilajit is available as a supplement or in powder form that can be consumed along with water or milk. As discussed earlier, it can be very effective if used properly.