Benefits of Shilajit And Its Side Effects
Last Updated: Mar 15, 2023
Shilajit is ideal for supporting male fertility, enhancing testosterone level, enhancing performance and protecting the heart. Additionally it also improves memory functioning, helps Alzheimers patients, has anti aging properties and helps with altitude sickness. It also helps anaemia patients.
Shilajit
Shilajit is a sticky and thick substance which resembles tar. It can range from white to dark brown and is found abundantly in the Gilgit Baltistan (Pakistan), Altai Mountains, Caucasus mountains, Tibet mountains and the Himalayas. It is an Ayurvedic medicine and is very beneficial for health because it contains at least 85 minerals in ionic state, humic acids, triterpenes, etc.
Interesting Facts: Shilajit derives its name from the Sanskrit which means rock conqueror.
Nutritional Value of Shilajit
Shilajit is known as mineral wax or mineral pitch in English. It is also called black asphaltum, barahshin, dorobi and shargai. According to researchers, Shilajit comes under the family of vegetables because of its appearance.
It bears close resembles to a cactus like plant called Euphorbia royleana due to striking similarity in its composition. Shilajit has biological as well as geological origin and has traces of amino acids and vitamins. It has glycerol and has medicinal properties.
Health Benefits of Shilajit
Supports fertility
Shilajit is known to support fertility in men. If consumed twice daily for a period of 90 days, it can cure a person suffering from infertility. According to studies, sperm count of men using Shilajit increased by 12% or more. A man wanting to start a family should adopt this method as it is considered natural and safe.
Promotes the level of Testosterone naturally
Shilajit does much more than increase the quality and quantity of a man’s sperns. Men who consume Shilajit on a regular basis enjoy high testosterone levels. This also helps to maintain a better mood and thinking capacity. High levels of testosterone in a man’s body, protects muscle tissues and reduces fats in the body. It is vital for a person to consume Shilajit is he wants to be healthy and to achieve a stronger immune system.
Enhances performance
According to studies, men who consume Shilajit have high levels of energy and usually feel better about their body image. This is primarily because of the nutrient density which Shilajit is filled with. Shilajit works at a cellular level to improve the energy production of the human body. Due to this, a person consuming it might recover faster and feel fresher. This is because of cell nourishment which Shilajit provides.
Protects the heart
Many studies show that Shilajit improves blood circulation in the heart and it also make your heart pump blood in a much healthier way. Due to its antioxidant properties, the chance of cardiovascular damage is reduced to a certain extent. Those suffering from heart ailments should consume Shilajit. Studies also show that the possibility of a heart attack is greatly reduced due to the consumption of Shilajit on a regular basis.
Supports memory functioning
Enhanced testosterone levels play an extremely important role on the way you think. Researchers have found out that a small molecule called dibezno-alpha-pyrones can make a huge difference in your thinking capacity. These molecules hamper the breakdown of chemicals which are required for memory. Consuming Shilajit is beneficial in this case because it contains fulvic acid which supports and promotes brain health and memory functioning.
Promotes healthy aging
Studies show that the antioxidant activity present in Shilajit can protect us against cellular damage, this cellular damage is the main culprit for speeding the aging process of your skin, liver, lungs and heart. The fulvic acid present in Shilajit releases minerals and antioxidants directly inside the cells where it is needed the most. This mineral protects the cell from radical harm and speedy aging. If you want to age gracefully and slowly, it is of utmost importance to consume Shilajit due to its magical age reversal properties.
Improves the symptoms of alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimers causes problems with thinking, behaviour and memory. Drugs are prescribed to improve these symptoms, but they rarely cure alzheimers from the root. The molecular composition of Shilajit slows or prevents the progression of this disorder. Since Shilajit contains fulvic acid, this antioxidant prevents the accumulation of tau protein and contributes in the cognitive heath of a person.
Helps with Anaemia
Shilajit is very helpful in combating against symptoms of iron deficiency anemia such as, irregular heartbeat, headache, cold hands and feet, weakness and fatigue. It makes a person strong and increases the iron level in their blood so that they can lead active lives.
What are the various Medical properties of Shilajit?
Here are some medicinal benefits offered by Shilajit:
- Helps in the treatment of kidney stones.
- Reduces anorexia.
- Used as an internal antiseptic
- Used for the treatment of haemorrhoids and edema.
- Prevents numerous diseases.
- Strengthens the body's immune system.
- Prevent the process of ageing.
- Improves the functioning of the liver.
- Improves sexual stamina.
- Provides energy to our body.
Uses of Shilajit
Shilajit is helpful in fighting external and internal stress. It also regenerates tired cells, thus acting as an anti aging agent. It battles fatigue, is a brain detoxifier, improves mental health disorders, improves sexual performance and pleasure, balances blood sugar levels, increases intelligence levels and absorbs vital nutrients.
Allergies and Side-Effects of Shilajit
The side effects of Shilajit are quite rare, but it can occur at times. Prolonged or excessive use of Shilajit might cause several allergic reactions. It can also result to itchiness, increased heart rate, dizziness and nausea. Taking high doses of Shilajit can also increase the level of uric acid in your body which can prove fatal. Therefore, Shilajit should be used under the prescription and guidance of a doctor.
Precautions to take with Shilajit
- Shilajit should not be consumed by women who are pregnant or nursing.
- If you have hemochromatosis, avoid shilajit.
- It is recommended to take only 350 to 500 mg of shilajit a day.
- Abstain from shilajit if you have testosterone problems.
- Shilajit should be diluted properly during summer.
- Children should avoid shilajit.
Cultivation of Shilajit
Shilajit is usually produced over a time frame of several million years from organic matter and plants trapped under a layer of rocks in the mountains. The organic matter and plants are transformed into rich mineral mass due to pressure. It originates at altitudes of 16,000 to 18,000 feet. The environment where it is found is usually free from chemicals, fertilizers and pollutants. It is found in the Tibet mountains, Caucasus mountains, Altai mountains and the Himalayas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to take Shilajit?
Is Shilajit good for health?
How to identify the original Shilajit?
Can You Consume Shilajit With Ashwagandha?
Is it safe to take shilajit daily?
Can individuals who are pregnant take shilajit?
What are the benefits of Shilajit for Cancer?
Can shilajit be taken in summer?
Can Shilajit be used to treat anaemia?
References
- Carrasco-Gallardo C, Guzmán L, Maccioni RB. Shilajit: a natural phytocomplex with potential procognitive activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s disease. 2012;2012. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Ghosal S, Lal J, Jaiswal AK, Bhattacharya SK. Effects of Shilajit and its active constituents on learning and memory in rats. Phytotherapy research. 1993 Jan;7(1):29-34. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
- Meena H, Pandey HK, Arya MC, Ahmed Z. Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems. International journal of Ayurveda research. 2010 Jan;1(1):37. [Cited 27 June 2019]. Available from:
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