There is so much information about Shilajit out on the internet right now, and you’ll find many examples of Shilajit supplements. Whether you’re looking for additional information to inform a purchase, or to find the best kind of shilajit, we have a whole page dedicated to it.
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What is Shilajit?
You may be reading this because somebody, somewhere, on a podcast mentioned the benefits of Shilajit. If this is you, it may be helpful to know that this page is dedicated to everything you need to know about the substance – and the benefits of Shilajit itself.
First though – what is Shilajit?
Shilajit is a black tarry resin that is found on rocks in the Himalayas, and is produced by a slow process of decomposing plants, microbes and biomass. This description makes Shilajit sound disgusting, the sticky black substance was found by, and used by, people who practiced Ayurvedic medicine. Originally it had uses for altitude sickness, sexual prowess, vitality and well-being. Even today, the reputation of Shilajit is still very positive in asia.
Research has found that there is weight to these claims, and we now know that Shilajit is a powerful antioxidant and contains a naturally occurring combination of vitamins and minerals.
Lets have a little talk about the reported benefits.
Summary of Benefits
Shilajit has an extremely long list of potential benefits, and there are many of them backed by studies Shilajit is a fantastic source of over 85 Minerals, a complex of B Vitamins & Fulvic Acid.
Preclinical studies suggest shilajit has diverse potential health benefits, including as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, cognitition and memory enhancing, and antidiabetic propert though systematic human trials are lacking [source].
Shilajit naturally contains Iron, Zinc, Calcium, Magnesium and Selenium. A full teaspoon of Shilajit resin also contains an estimated 10.8mgs of Iron, 80mgs of Calcium, 0.90mgs of Zinc and 2.8mgs of Selenium (an antioxidant which boosts immune function, hair and nail health and supports the thyroid).
Plus, a complex of B vitamins (including B12), D, K2 & Vitamin C.
Fulvic acid has several studied influences on our body, but the most notable is its ability to stimulate the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women which aids in fertility and healthy sexual function. In males, this hormone improves sperm health and quality [source] and indirectly boost Testosterone levels in males too. For both males and females, Fulvic acid can be a significant driver of increased libido, mood and athletic performance.
Shilajit contains on average between 15-20% fulvic acid and a range of other minerals and vitamins (a complex of Vitamin B12, D, K2 and C are the most notable).
A full teaspoon of Shilajit resin also contains an estimated 10.8mgs of Iron, 80mgs of Calcium, 0.90mgs of Zinc and 2.8mgs of Selenium (an antioxidant which boosts immune function, hair and nail health and supports the thyroid).
More energy
Focus & Memory
Powerful antioxidant
Physical performance & recovery.
Stronger immunity.
Supports cardiovascular health & performance.
Hormone support.
Sexual health & libido.
Naturally calming
Immune System Support
It goes without saying, without our immune systems we simply couldn’t be here. The oldest battle of time is between microscopic organisms that wish to make our bodies their home – which often has catastrophic consequences for our health.
Thankfully, our Immune System is an unimaginably complex network of moving parts which is designed to protect us against invading microbes and viruses. We just need to keep it sustained, the best way we can.
The immune system is particularly important to prevent any pesky illness which will hamper your performance, and recovery from a day of activity.
ZINC
VITAMIN C
Vitamin C is an essential antioxidant which plays a key role in our body’s ability to defend itself. It is most known for protecting our immune cells from becoming damaged and enables them to function correctly (extremely important when it comes to the immune system). You do not need to go far to find studies which show how effective Vitamin C is for supporting our Immune System. [source].
VITAMIN D
In recent years, the effects of vitamin D deficiency is only starting to come into the focus of nutrition experts and medical professionals. It seems that those deficient in D vitamins are significantly more susceptible to illness and infection [source]. The why is quite complicated, but it seems that Vitamin D plays many more roles than simply calcification of bones, and may help to regulate the immune system and support homeostasis.
Regardless, the outcome is that there is a clear link between vitamin D deficiency, and being more susceptible to infections.
IRON
Iron plays a pivotal role in the production of hemoglobin, a key component of red blood cells that carries oxygen to immune cells. Insufficient iron levels can hinder this process, compromising the effectiveness of your immune system’s response to pathogens. [source].
HEalthy HORMONE & TESTOSTERONE SUPPORT (for males & females)
Fulvic acid is the main active beneficial component of Shilajit, and there are several studies which show how Fulvic acid influence our bodies. The most notable is its ability to stimulate the production of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in women which aids in fertility and healthy sexual function
In males, this hormone is involved in sperm health and quality and may indirectly boost Testosterone levels. For both males and females, Fulvic acid can be a significant driver of increased libido, mood and athletic performance [source].
Most interestingly, as men, when we get older, our levels of Testosterone start to decline, which means that we have less energy, vitality and (among other things) increase levels of general anxiety. It is being shown that a daily supplement which targets and slows down the conversion of testosterone in our bodies can play a huge role in our general well-being- as well as our performance at the gym and with our spouses.
metabolic energy & endurance
VITAMIN C, B12 & B6
B6, similarly, plays a role in healthy blood and haemoglobin production. Both are key to transporting oxygen and energy throughout the body.
Vitamins C, B6 and B12 each contribute to contribute to normal cellular energy production and metabolism. [source]
LIBIDO AND SEXUAL FUNCTION
FSH is a key hormone for healthy sexual function in both men and women [source]. Shilajit’ content of Fulvic Acid actively regulates and stimulates the production of this hormone which drives healthy sexual function, libido and balance of hormones