Shilajit, an ayurvedic healing organo-mineral: properties and health benefits
Shilajit, an ayurvedic healing organo-mineral: properties and health benefits
For the longest time we've sold ayurvedic medicinal supplements, that invariably were herbs. One of those ayurvedic supplements however is not a herb but a complex organo-mineral substance, that is so peculiar it deserved its own blog article..What is Shilajit
Shilajit is a complex organo-mineral substance that can be found exuding from rock fissures in the mountains of Asia. Most often found in the Himalayan foothills at altitudes between 1000-5000 meters, it is procured from humus and plant residues. Residues deposited over rocks and get pressed between layers of rocks for millions of years. Later on they get converted into gummy material which can be black, white or brown in color and similar to asphalt in appearance.Shilajit is a substance revered in Ayurvedic medicine for its wealth of health- promoting properties. Consider the word “shilajit” itself--a Sanskrit term that has been variously translated as “rock-invincible,” “winner of rock,” or “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.”
In Ayurveda, it is counted as strongest and rejuvenating compound on earth while Indian Yogis designate as Amrita or the Elixir Of Life.
Modern scientists also started to explore the therapeutic benefits of Shilajit. Shilajit contains the various minerals and nutrients like fulvic acid and humic acid. Hence Shilajit is truly a super food.
Raw shilajit must be controlled for quality and processed before it is fit for human consumption by contemporary standards. To start, the source material should be analyzed to ensure low levels of deleterious heavy metals (such as mercury, lead and cadmium). Then the raw material must be treated to neutralize naturally-present reactive oxygen species and eliminate fungal contaminants.
In recent researches, traces of dibenzo alpha pyrones found in shilajit which show strong and effective antioxidant property. It helps to protect the nervous system from damage due to free radicals. Where as in various studies related to the kidney, liver and heart problems, it increases level of coenzyme Q 10 (CoQ10), that further helps to enhance the energy level and activity of cells.
What are the main health benefits of Shilajit?
Many people have myth that shilajit benefits is only given to cure the sexual disorders. But it can also be given in the various other health problems like joint pains, diabetes, general debility etcetera.
There's a long list of health benefits from shilajit :
boosts energy: Shilajit was found to be a highly beneficial supplement that was able to provide a natural boost of energy and help to increase athletic ability because it contains fulvic acid and amino acids which help provide more energy for the body.
enhances performance: Russian scientists confirmed that shilajit has the ability to enhance performance capabilities in endurance, strength and concentration. It has been used by Russian military and the Russian Olympic team.
helps balance hormones and emotions: the high amounts of minerals and nutrients help to strengthen the endocrine system, which is in charge of managing your hormones and moods.
has anti-aging effects and promotes longevity: our skin ages due to oxidative damage, but because shilajit are so rich with antioxidants such as selenium, phospholipids, triterpenes, and fulvic acid, which help prevent oxidation, it can help slow down the aging process. Because of these effects, it is also believed to lengthen the lifespan. Shilajit also helps to boost up the immune system and protects the body from various ailments.
brain booster: people who have used shilajit report a positive change in their cognitive functions such as an increased focus, mental clarity, concentration and memory. This is due to the 85 trace minerals and the mixture of alkaloids, chlorophyll, saponins, and natural plant oils that help deliver nutrients to the brain.
Shilajit is said to increase brain functions, learning ability, memory, intelligence etc. In various studies it has been found that helps to slow down the natural degeneration of neurons in nervous system.
maximizes nutrients: shilajit is considered to be a superfood because of its vast amounts of nutrients and minerals. It can also increase our body’s ability to absorb nutrients from other substances as well. Because of its nutrient maximizing abilities, shilajit can become a beneficial supplement when mixed into smoothies, and it can help those with malabsorption issues, Crohn’s Disease or Celiac disease.
helps relieve hangovers and addiction: because shilajit encourages our body to rid itself of toxic substances, a dose before and the morning after a night out can help relieve a hangover or reduce addiction. But we recommend that you also try to stay hydrated as well.
helps speed up recovery: the fulvic acid in shilajit helps the body regenerate its cells by giving it the nutrients it needs, which also helps speed up recovery times.
anti-inflammatory property: shilajit has powerful anti-inflammatory action which is quite good to reduce the pain in joints. It also helps to reduce the inflammation in edema. Anti-oxidant action of it helps in healing of bone tissues. Moreover, it also maintains the calcium in the bones and helps to strengthen the bones.
anti-diabetic action: intake helps to maintain the healthy blood sugar levels in the body. It encourages regeneration of pancreas cells.
atherosclerosis: help to reduce the cholesterol and lipids levels, hence prevents plaque deposition. Besides of this, anti-inflammatory action of it helps to reduce inflammation in the blood vessels. It maintains the proper blood flow throughout the body.
rejuvenating action: shilajit is famous for rejuvenating property in body. It helps in the rejuvenation of cells by providing the oxygen and nutrients to cells.
antioxidant properties: helps to reduce the oxidative stress in body and also protect from free radical damage. It helps in restoration of human body in a natural way. Moreover it also helps in healing of muscles and bone tissues.
sexual properties : being aphrodisiac in action, shilajit is also known as Indian Viagra. It helps to enhance sexual performance, libido, and stamina in body. It is quite effective to treat the various male sexual health issues like premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunctions, low sperm count etc. It enhances the energy and stamina in the body. It provides nourishment to cells and increases the energy at cellular level.
overweight / obesity : shilajit helps to maintain the healthy body weight.
stress disorders and anxiety : fulvic acid present in the shilajit is responsible for anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity. Hence it is very helpful in various types of stress and anxiety disorders.
Even if most of these claims are exaggarated, it sounds like something that's interesting enough to explore.
We will also explore more ayurvedic medicinal supplements in the near future.
