IN PROFILE
Q&A
Shilajit
Also known as salajeet, this supplement is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to improve health and wellbeing.
volunteers aged between 45 and 55 years who were given a twice- daily dose of 250 mg of purified
Q What is shilajit? It is a natural supplement, which is made from a sticky resin-like substance that is found on the surfaces and in the cracks of ancient rock formations in the Himalayan mountains. Shilajit is the result of the slow decomposition of plants native to the area, and it takes many centuries to evolve. It is widely used in Ayurveda, India’s traditional system of medicine. Q What ingredients give shilajit its healing effects? Shilajit is a source of fulvic acid, a mineral-derived element with powerful antioxidant properties which block inflammatory symptoms of common allergic reactions, such as hayfever. Shilajit also contains humic acid, which has been shown to stimulate immune activity, and is a unique source of over 80 important trace minerals. Q How is shilajit used? Shilajit is a key medicine prescribed by Ayurvedic practitioners as a rasayana, which means it has rejuvenative and tonic effects. It is suitable for a range of health conditions, including: • Maintaining brain health: The fulvic acid in shilajit helps to support and strengthen cognitive and neural function, resulting in improvements in memory, mood and thought processing. • Raising testosterone: This hormone is present in both men and women and is important for the health of both sexes,
shilajit recorded significantly increased total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels after 90 days, compared with placebo. DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands which is used to make androgens and oestrogens, the male and female sex hormones. DHEA levels are highest at around age 25, and then decline with age. • Slowing age-related decline: Shilajit has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This means that it fights the free radicals which are formed when the body is exposed to toxins, pollutants and UV radiation, and protects against any cellular damage they may cause. Shilajit therefore has potential for slowing many of the signs of ageing, and contributing to overall better health. • Managing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: (CFS) Evidence
suggests that CFS is associated with mitochondrial damage, which causes impaired energy production. A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology has found that taking shilajit can repair mitochondrial function, and consequently improve energy levels.
but it is mainly associated with the male sex drive. Signs that a man’s testosterone levels are inadequate include weight gain, fatigue, inertia, low libido and muscle loss. Testosterone needs to be present in optimal levels to protect heart health and maintain muscle strength, energy and concentration. Results of a clinical study published in Andrologia have shown that healthy male
Go Vita loves ... Zen Fuel Gold Standard Pure Shilajit , available as a resin or as drops. Zen Fuel is an Australian- owned company which takes pride in sourcing the highest quality shilajit found in the Himalayan mountains.
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ISSUE 73 • 2025
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