Shilajit is a natural substance common in Ayurvedic medicine. It contains antioxidants and minerals that may benefit health, but more research into its use is necessary.
Shilajit is a sticky, black, tar-like substance that comes from rocks in high mountain ranges. People can take it as a supplement in powder form.
Shilajit was traditionally sourced in India and Tibet, though it is now found in many other countries. Its compounds may be beneficial for many conditions.
8 potential benefits of shilajit
When used correctly, shilajit may have several benefits for the body. This may be due in part to the high concentration of fulvic and humic acids, as well as many minerals.
Due to the molecular composition of shilajit, some researchers believe it may help prevent Alzheimer’s or slow its progression.
Shilajit is rich in an antioxidant called fulvic acid. Fulvic acid can prevent a buildup of tau proteins, which may help cognitive health.
Tau protein buildup can trigger brain cell damage, and researchers have linked it to Alzheimer’s. A
However, researchers need to conduct more studies to further observe this possible link.
One
The researchers posit that these properties may be beneficial for preventing or alleviating some chronic inflammatory conditions, such as asthma, allergies, eczema, and diabetes.
However, they note that some of the research they found on fulvic acid was conflicting, so experts need to do further research on these possible benefits of fulvic acid.
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They suggested that shilajit may be a promising supplement for treating bone conditions such as osteoporosis.
According to a
Additionally, another
However, there needs to be more research into shijalit’s effect on bone health in humans.
According to a
The wide range of minerals and compounds found in shilajit may also help fight off viruses. An older
Researchers commented that while it does appear to be effective, more studies carried out with live subjects are needed to back up these claims.
Shilajit also shows promise in fighting against certain types of cancer cells. One
Another
Additionally, a
Researchers noted that results show that shilajit has promising anticancer effects, but more human studies are needed.
Fulvic acid, which makes up around
One study, which the review references, found that fulvic acid improved good gut bacteria and reduced bad gut bacteria in fish.
Another found that fulvic acid increased the activity of digestive enzymes in fish, therefore aiding nutrient absorption.
However, researchers need to study these mechanisms further in humans.
According to a 2019 review article, several studies have shown that shilajit may have a beneficial effect on stress.
Animal studies showed that it had stress-reducing and anti-anxiety properties, suggesting it has potential for alleviating these concerns in humans.
However, more studies are needed in humans to confirm this.
8. May Have Anti-Aging Properties
Shilajit may have properties that promote healthy aging.
Researchers have found that fulvic acid can help improve dementia symptoms, sleep, appetite, and performance in older adults in China and India.
Fulvic acid is a type of humic acid, which are compounds produced by the decay of plants. Humic acids have many benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and may help with aging gracefully.
Shilajit is taken 1-2 capsules at a time with a drink once daily.
Shilajit
Research shows that shilajit is safe for long-term use as a dietary supplement.
Summary
Shilajit may have a variety of health benefits, and it can be a safe and effective supplement if people use it correctly and buy it from a reputable source.
It may have beneficial effects on aging, stress, inflammation, gut health, and more.