Shilajit is one of the most wonderful gifts nature has ever offered to mankind. This age-old restorative resin is loaded with bioactive compounds and essential nutrients required by our bodies to remain fresh and healthy throughout the day.
Wondering what in the world is Shilajit? It's alright if you have not heard of ‘mountain blood’ just yet. Not many are aware of this mysterious powder and its curative properties.
That’s why, in this article, we will be covering everything there is to know about Shilajit; what it is, how its obtained, its benefits and where to find high-quality Shilajit in the UK.
Let’s plunge right into this amazing superfood!
What is Shilajit?
Shilajit, also known ‘mumijo’ or mineral pitch, is nutrient-rich biomass, obtained from high mountain rocks. It exists naturally in the form of a blackish-brown powder or shilajit resin - a sticky extract that is rich in minerals.
Shilajit reserves are present in various mountain ranges around the globe including the Himalayan, Tibetan, Altai, Russia and northern Chile. Earlier, Shilajit was only sourced in some parts of India and Tibet but now it's readily available in many countries.
Shilajit, classified as a herbomineral formulation due to its complex composition and active compounds, is best known for its use in ‘Ayurveda’ - a holistic healing system that originated thousands of years back in India. Ayurvedic practices and traditions focus on restoring the delicate balance between mind, body, and spirit to achieve health and wellness.
How Is Shilajit Produced?
Shilajit is a product of Mother Nature at work. As weird as it sounds, Shilajit is actually produced by the mountains themselves (that also explains why it's known as ‘mountain blood).
Shilajit is produced when microorganisms break down plant remains over hundreds of years. The plant mass mixes with minerals present within rocky layers to create a complex herbomineral rich in essential nutrients, active compounds, and plant-based antioxidants.
Shilajit naturally occurs in the form of potent shilajit powder deposits or gummy-like shilajit resin, which oozes out from layered rocks. Since unpurified Shilajit contains a high concentration of mycotoxins and heavy metals, it needs to be refined and purified properly so its fit for consumption. These days, Shilajit is available in the form of powder, resin and dietary supplements.
Shilajit: A Powerhouse of Bioactive Compounds
The interesting composition of Shilajit can be attributed to the fact that it is made up of age-old hummus (dead plant remains), organic plant matter and minerals. Over time, high pressure and heat act on Shilajit and metamorphise its organic compounds.
Shilajit is loaded with a variety of bioactive ingredients that positively impact our health. Shilajit contains:
- More than 84 types of minerals including most essential trace minerals required by our bodies.
- Fulvic acid which is the main bioactive component of Shilajit
- Humic and Uronic Acids
- Plant and microbial metabolites and antioxidants
- Peptides and amino acids
- A trace amount of lipids
- Phenolic Glycosides
- Carbon-60
This unique cocktail of active compounds, beneficial minerals, and trace nutrients gives shilajit its rejuvenating properties.
5 Surprising Benefits of Shilajit
Due to its unique content, Shilajit has numerous benefits to offer. That’s why it has been traditionally used in folk medicine, Ayurveda and other holistic healing traditions. The West is still new to this amazing naturally occurring superfood and that’s why more research is required to tap into the full curative potential of Shilajit.
Here are the top 5 potential benefits of Shilajit:
1. Shilajit is Great for Your Skin
Shilajit is the supplement to take if you want your skin to look great. It contains 10 different types of amino acids that are required by the body to carry out vital functions such as cell repair.
It also contains zinc, copper, and magnesium which are the skincare trio! Zinc protects the skin from UV radiation and the sun, copper improves skin elasticity and boosts collagen production while magnesium has major anti-aging properties. On top of that, shilajit also contains vitamins that play a crucial role in skin repair and regeneration.
Shilajit is also known to have anti-microbial properties, which is great for people with skin issues such as acne and eczema. It boosts antibody production and detoxes the body, all of which is great for your skin.
So if you were looking for the right beauty staple, Shilajit is the way to go!
2. Shilajit Boosts Bone Health
The minerals present in Shilajit are needed to develop bone strength. That explains why historically, shilajit was the go-to remedy for fractures and dislocated bones. Avicenna, a great Muslim scientist considered the father of medicine also used shilajit in ointments and poultices.
Modern-day science confirms this, in part but more research is needed to confirm the healing powers of shilajit. Shilajit contains trace minerals, nutrients and fulvic acid, which is great for nutrient absorption.
Some of the minerals present in shilajit including Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Iron, Zinc, Copper, Calcium and Silicon play a key role in bone formation and strengthen our joints.
3. Shilajit Keeps You Active
According to research, shilajit can alleviate some of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome. That’s because shilajit is an amazing and potent energiser. Owing to its rejuvenating properties, Shilajit was used by the USSR military and many Olympic teams as a fatigue-buster.
Shilajit contains iron, which is needed by the body for healthy blood circulation and removal of lactic acid. It also decreases physical weakness, exhaustion, and fatigue and improves stamina. Researchers believe that Shilajit also improves cell-function on a microlevel, to give the body a natural energy boost.
4. Shilajit is Good for Gut Health
Shilajit improves gut health and reduces the discomfort and symptoms caused by various digestive problems such as acidity and stomach upsets. It also stimulates tissue repair and can possibly repair damaged stomach tissue.
Shilajit was also found to reduce the risk of ulcers in pilot studies. It is rich in Benzoic acid which has antibacterial properties. Researchers believe that Shilajit may be a possible remedy for bacterial conditions like small intestine bacterial overgrowth and other bacterial infections that affect the gut.
5. Shilajit for A Healthier Heart
Humic acid, a bioactive compound present in shilajit helps lower blood cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. In an animal study, shilajit was found to reduce bad cholesterol in rats and increase their good cholesterol levels.
It is believed that shilajit also stimulates the release of the master antioxidant glutathione, and that can have a beneficial effect on heart health. Shilajit also contains nutrients crucial for a healthy heart.
Where to Find Authentic Shilajit in the UK?
Shilajit is wonderful and every bit worth trying but its also important that you pick authentic and quality shilajit that has been purified to remove any pollutants, toxins and other impurities.
If you’re wondering where you can find authentic shilajit in the UK, you’ve come to the right place. Nature’s Blends is a one-stop-shop for the best produce nature has to offer. We use gentle-processing techniques to purify our shilajit without affecting its natural potency. Check out our Shilajit collection to get started with your Shilajit routine right away!