Shilajit is a remedy of ancient Ayurvedic medicine but its fame has passed the centuries up to the present day, so much so that it is easy to find it now in the form of a supplement. Shilajit is a natural substance typical of the Himalayas, it is a pitch that exudes from the rocks in the summer, when they are heated by the sun's rays. It is believed to be the product of a gradual decomposition of plants by microorganisms over the centuries. The term Shilajit is in Sanskrit and literally means the conqueror of mountains and the destroyer of weakness, a phrase that already alone makes us understand the power of the remedy, but let's try to understand it better based on the most important scientific studies.
Shilajit, nutrients
This natural remedy contains important beneficial substances, such as fulvic acid, which appears in a percentage between 60 and 80%, making it the active ingredient most present in Shilajit, but also minerals, there are more than 80, such as iron, copper, zinc, silver and selenium, proteins and polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-aging action (Carrasco Gallardo et al, Int J Alzheimer Dis, 2012).
Shilajit for brain health
The most present and powerful active ingredient in Shilajit is fulvic acid. This substance is able to counteract the aggregation of tau proteins, a hallmark of Alzheimer's. Therefore Shilajit is useful in counteracting age-related cognitive impairment (Carrasco Gallardo et al, Int J Alzheimer Dis, 2012). Not only that, this remedy improves and strengthens memory, at all ages (Carrasco Gallardo et al, Int J Alzheimer Dis, 2012).
Shilajit against fatigue
Shilajit counteracts fatigue and increases muscle strength and endurance (Carrasco Gallardo et al, Int J Alzheimer Dis, 2012). This remedy is considered adaptogenic, that is, it helps to stimulate the body's ability to adapt to external events, by strengthening the body and making it more resistant to stress. Not only that, the active ingredient of shilajit, fulvic acid, stimulates energy production and blood circulation for a better oxygen supply to the tissues (Meena et al, Int J Ayurveda Res, 2010). Shilajit is also effective against mental fatigue (Meena et al, Int J Ayurveda Res, 2010).
Shilajit against anxiety and stress
Shilajit protects mood and brain, counteracts mental fatigue, anxiety and stress and their effects on cognitive function. Not only that, the remedy improves memory and helps reduce the risk of depression (Durg et al, Anc Sci Life, 2015).
Shilajit against gastric ulcer
Shilajit protects the stomach mucosa, strengthens the protective barrier, reduces inflammation and thus counteracts the formation of ulcers (Carrasco Gallardo et al, Int J Alzheimer Dis, 2012 - Goel et al, J Ethnopharmacol , 1990). The anti-ulcer action of shilajit has also proved to be useful in case of damage to the gastric mucosa induced by the use of drugs such as aspirin (Ghasemkhani et al, Physiol Rep, 2021).
Shilajit and anemia
Shilajit, as mentioned, contains iron and its intake helps to counteract anemia (Velmurugan et al, Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2012).
Shilajit against free radicals, inflammation and cellular degeneration
The remedy counteracts the action of free radicals and helps reduce chronic inflammation (Jambi et al, Saudi J Biol Sci, 2022). Not only that, shilajit helps to counteract cellular degeneration, especially those affecting the breast and bladder, by promoting apoptosis, namely the death of diseased cells (Jambi et al, Saudi J Biol Sci, 2022).
Shilajit, intake and warnings
Shilajit is considered generally safe and well tolerated. Studies, conducted on animals, have indicated that it is safe even when taken for long periods of time, three months in the research in question (Velmurugan et al, Asian Pac J Trop Biomed, 2012). However, a consideration must be made. It is very easy to find this remedy but for this very reason it is good to make sure that the shop sells high quality and controlled products. In fact, the remedy, before being marketed, should always be purified as the presence of mycotoxins and heavy metals is possible (Carrasco Gallardo et al, Int J Alzheimer Dis, 2012).
