Shilajit is a sticky, black, tar-like substance that comes from the rocks in high mountain ranges. Now this might probably be something new to many people, especially to those unfamiliar with Himalayan and Central Asian mountain herbal and alternative medicines.
Another name for Shilajit would be mineral pitch, and it is the result of a long process of breaking down plant matter and minerals. Believe it or not though, this has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries and could come with many health benefits for the body if used correctly.
Health Benefits of Shilajit
Brain function
There are numerous compounds found in shilajit which could be helpful in supporting the way the brain functions overall, and researchers have begun exploring these compounds in the context of long-term brain health.
The International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease documented a study noting how shilajit is traditionally used to increase longevity and slow ageing
in those taking it. Researchers suggested that the compounds present in it warrant further study for their potential role in supporting cognitive health, though much more research is needed.
Anti-Ageing
In another study, it was noted that fulvic acid, which is a compound that can be found in shilajit, acts as an antioxidant chemical inside the body.
With the way it acts, it could help reduce the number of free radicals and help protect against cellular damage in the body. These two factors are key in the ageing process, and taking daily supplements of shilajit could contribute to supporting overall vitality in some people.
A Natural Source of Iron
The blood condition called anaemia develops when there is not enough healthy haemoglobin in the blood. Iron deficiency is one of the leading causes of anaemia, and this in turn can cause many symptoms in the body including having an irregular heartbeat, experiencing fatigue and weakness, having cold hands and feet, and the recurrence of headaches.
Shilajit has been found to contain relatively high levels of humic acid and iron, which may help support normal iron levels as part of a balanced diet. If you suspect you have anaemia, always speak to your doctor rather than self-treating.
Fatigue
Chronic fatigue syndrome is the experience of always feeling tired even if you don’t exert much effort or too much work. This is often seen as having a lack of energy to do even the simplest of things and getting tired very quickly after even light work.
Shilajit has been found in a 2012 study to possibly help reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome in several people. This could be done through the improvement of cell functions within the body, which could mean that the reduction in fatigue is done at a cellular level, which could then increase a person’s energy levels naturally.
Heart Health
Another way in which shilajit could support the body is through a person’s heart health.
A recent study showed the protective effects of shilajit on the heart of laboratory animals. Animals that were given shilajit prior to cardiac injury showed less damage to the heart than those who did not take shilajit. While this animal research is preliminary, it suggests shilajit may have a supportive role for heart health that deserves further study.
How Can I Consume Shilajit?
Superfoods Australia has come up with several ways in which you can safely consume shilajit and integrate it into your diet. These include resin oils, tinctures, and shilajit extract powder.
Shilajit Resin Oil is processed from shilajit harvested from the clefts of mountain rocks. It can be mixed with warm water, milk, honey, tea, or even in alcoholic drinks. Adults should take around ¼ a teaspoon or between 0.5 to 0.6 grams daily.
Shilajit Tincture 10:1 is a highly bioavailable extracted form of shilajit. This can be rapidly absorbed under the tongue or when mixed with other liquids and drinks. 1 dropper of the tincture under the tongue two to three times a day should be taken or can be mixed with your favourite drinks or in a glass of warm water.
Shilajit is also now available in a Powdered Extract form of its resin oil. This makes shilajit much easier to consume as it can be mixed into drinks, smoothies, elixirs, and even just in plain water. The best way to take this would be ingesting ¼ teaspoons or 0.5 to 0.6 grams daily, dissolving the powdered extract in a glass of warm water, or mixing it with any liquids of your choice.
Conclusion
Shilajit is one superfood that could have many beneficial effects on one’s general wellbeing. It is a supplement that you could take with your daily meals, using the recommended and correct dosage each time. Superfoods Australia has made shilajit available in several forms, which you can suit to your lifestyle and dietary habits.
This article is general information only and is not medical advice. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
