Many women ask can I take shilajit and what are shilajit benefits for females. The simple answer is ‘yes’, women can use shilajit for several health benefits. It improves hair and skin health, strengthens the uterus, improves the functions of ovaries, acts as an anti-aging agent and balances hormones naturally.
Shilajit has been known in Ayurvedic medicine as a rejuvenator and an anti-aging compound for centuries. A hypothesis suggests that shilajit is produced by the decomposition of plant material. Because this decomposition occurs throughout the centuries, shilajit is considered a millenary product of nature. It is a blackish brown substance from high mountain rocks, especially in the Himalayan mountains between India and Nepal. Besides this, shilajit is also found in Tibet, Russia and Afghanistan.
Shilajit is an abundant source of compounds that promote good health and protect against diseases and disorders. The composition of shilajit varies from region to region. Fulvic acid, a vital compound present in shilajit is responsible for its curative properties. Other compounds present in shilajit include:
- Triterpenes
- Ellagic acid
- Resins
- Gums
- Sterols
- Fatty acids
- Latex
- Albumin
- Amino acids
- Polyphenols
Each of these compounds contribute to good health and overall wellness.
Benefits of Shilajit for Women
In women, shilajit improves fertility, ovarian functions and uterine health. Here are some important shilajit benefits for females:
1. Increases Hemoglobin, Hematocrit and Red Blood Cells
Iron deficiency anemia is a major contributing factor to maternal morbidity and mortality. Shilajit is an excellent natural medicine that helps in improving the health status of women with anemia.
Studies have observed that treatment with shilajit increases hemoglobin, hematocrit and red blood cells.
Iron loss in women is more due to menstruation. Thus, women are at an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Shilajit, a great source of iron when taken as a supplement, increases the level of hemoglobin and normalizes the loss during menstruation.
2. Improves Fertility in Females
Infertility can affect the physical as well as mental health and have a negative impact on the quality of life.
Irregular menstrual cycle in females can affect their fertility. Treatment with shilajit can regulate the menstrual cycle in females. This has a positive impact on the reproductive health of women.
This blackish-brown substance improves the flow of nutrient and oxygen-rich blood to the reproductive organs. Such an action of shilajit helps in the removal of chemicals, toxins and other harmful substances. It further enhances cleansing and detoxification of the reproductive organs and boosts uterine health.
Women who are overweight or obese may experience hormonal imbalances, which can affect their menstrual cycles and prevent ovulation. This makes it difficult for the women to conceive.
Shilajit is beneficial for women who want to lose some weight. It prevents the accumulation of fat in the body and increases the breakdown of fat. It further increases the lean body mass and boosts metabolism.
Hence, intake of shilajit along with a weight loss diet can help with weight loss as well as fat loss.
3. Strengthens Bone Health
In women post-menopause, the risk of bone fracture increases and bone mineral density decreases. Shilajit is an excellent natural medicine with regards to bone health.
It boosts the transfer of minerals like magnesium, calcium and phosphate into bone and muscle tissues. This helps in improving the bone mineral density and reduces the risk of bone fragility.
It further hastens the process of bone healing after a bone fracture. Shilajit enhances the mineralization of the bone around 2 folds.
It also increases deposition of calcium in the bones and boosts the action of enzymes and hormones responsible for bone formation.
Studies have also reported that shilajit is an inhibitor of osteoclasts or bone-breaking cells and an enhancer of osteoblasts or bone-forming cells.
Hence, post-menopausal women or those who have weak bones can start with shilajit to improve their skeletal health.
4. Reduces Stress
However, anxiety is more common in women than in men, but women are more prone to stress. Shilajit calms the mind and reduces anxiety and stress. It induces sound sleep, that improves memory, increases awareness and reduces anxiety.
Besides this, shilajit inhibits the production of stress hormones and increases the secretion of happy hormones. These happy hormones uplift mood, increase appetite and induce a feeling of overall well-being.
Shilajit protects the brain against free radical attack and lowers oxidative stress. It prevents damage and destruction of brain cells, which in turn helps in lowering stress and anxiety. It strengthens the brain and nerve cells. Thus, it helps in eradicating anxiety and stress.
5. Improves Skin Health in Women
Shilajit is a great source of antioxidants. An interesting study has reported that the antioxidant capacity of shilajit is more powerful than blueberries.
Antioxidants present in shilajit lower oxidative stress and block the dangerous action of free radicals, which are unstable molecules. Thus, shilajit protects against an array of life-threatening diseases, strengthens the immune system and improves longevity.
Free radicals can also damage the skin proteins and lead to the premature aging of the skin. Women who want a beautiful skin must start with shilajit. The shilajit antioxidants protect the skin proteins against destruction and delay signs of premature aging, which include:
- Dark Spots
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Uneven skin tone
It further prevents toxins from penetrating deep into the skin. These antioxidants help in the complete eradication of skin-damaging substances and thus, enhances overall skin health.
6. Reduces the Risk of Arthritis
Statistics show that women are more prone to arthritis, an inflammatory condition that affects the joints. Fulvic acid, a main component of shilajit is a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent.
Individuals with arthritis have high levels of oxidative stress and more pro-inflammatory compounds are produced in them. Antioxidants present in shilajit, further scavenge the free radicals and prevent worsening of the condition.
Proteinases are dangerous compounds that cause joint destruction. According to a study, shilajit possesses strong proteinase inhibitory activity. This activity of shilajit was as strong as a dose of acetyl salicylic acid.
Treatment with shilajit improves flexibility, reduces joint stiffness, pain as well as redness.
7. Boosts Energy Levels
Shilajit is an amazing way to boost energy among women. If you feel tired, sleepy and lethargic then shilajit is all you need to boost your energy stores.
Mitochondria are organelles that serve as a powerhouse of cells in the body. They convert the nutrients from the food and oxygen into adenosine triphosphate (ATP). These ATPs are a vital source of energy for metabolic functions.
Shilajit enhances the function of mitochondria and improves oxygenation. Thus, shilajit increases the overall production of ATP, which in turn boosts energy and stamina.
The strong antioxidant properties of shilajit revitalize the body. It protects the cells and repairs damage caused by harmful free radicals.
Hence, women can become more active and energetic by taking shilajit regularly.
8. Prevents Alzheimer’s Disease
The risk of Alzheimer’s disease in women increases after menopause because of a drop in the level of estrogen, which otherwise plays a protective role. Hence, women are at a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease than men.
Shilajit is a natural substance that can be used to prevent or manage Alzheimer’s disease. Fulvic acid, an important compound present in this natural exudate plays a crucial role in the management of this disease.
Being a memory enhancer, fulvic acid improves memory and cognitive powers, which are reduced during the disease.
Fulvic acid further prevents the deposition of beta-amyloid plaques between the nerve and the brain cells. These plaques damage the brain cells and cause their death, leading to the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Besides this, antioxidants present in Shilajit protect the brain cells against damage caused by free radicals. Therefore, shilajit is a perfect brain food, which may improve memory, concentration and the ability to learn and remember things.
9. Manages Diabetes Mellitus
Studies have reported that shilajit supports healthy blood glucose levels. It is a great tool for the management of high blood glucose levels.
The anti-diabetic potential of this herbo-mineral drug is attributed to its high antioxidant content. There is increasing evidence that the degeneration of pancreatic beta-cells is caused due to the accumulation of free radicals. This further reduces the production of insulin.
Shilajit has an immense potential to scavenge the free radicals and protect the pancreatic cells against destruction. Thus, it preserves insulin and potentiates its action.
Studies have further suggested that long-term treatment with shilajit increases the number of pancreatic beta-cells, which results in better sensitivity. This enhances secretion of a large amount of insulin in response to hyperglycemia.
Combining shilajit with an oral hypoglycemic drug may help in a better control of diabetes mellitus. However, one must discuss it with their health-care provider.
10. Improves Lipid Profile
Having an altered lipid profile puts you at an increased risk of heart diseases and stroke. Regular consumption of shilajit is an excellent way to correct your lipid profile.
This natural exudate produces significant beneficial effects on the lipid profile. It reduces the blood level of total cholesterol and triglycerides and increases the HDL ‘good’ cholesterol.
It interferes with the synthesis of cholesterol and thus, prevents its excess accumulation in the body. On the other hand, an increase in the level of HDL cholesterol protects the heart against damage.
Hence, shilajit is beneficial for the lipid profile as well as the heart.
A study found that long-term use of shilajit has no side-effects and it does not alter the function or weight of the organs in an unhealthy way. Shilajit can be used safely to promote overall good health.
References
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