Himalaya Shilajit resin: a miraculous resin that promises energy and youth and that is hidden by your personal trainer and biohacker

Have you ever heard of Shilajit? These are the black and catramous resin that slowly comes out of the walls of the Himalayan caves at high altitude. Some see him as the Holy Grail of Health, others as pure madness. But what does science say? Is it a miraculous substance or yet another empty promise wrapped in a captivating story?

Shilajit is actually an ancient substance that is formed over millennia when it remains of plants and animals are transformed into a dense and resinous substance under the effect of the pressure and extreme temperatures of the Himalaya. Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, supports for over 3,000 years that Shilajit is a “weakness destroyer”, as it returns youth, strength and even virility.

Of course, modern marketing has immediately recognized its potential: today it is possible to find the shilajit in the form of gummy candies, capsules, dust, dyes and even in luxury cosmetics. But be careful: not everything that is old and exotic means that it is safe or effective.

Shilajit: What does science say?

The science, albeit cautious, still attributes some interesting effects to Shiladjit. The most important ingredient is Fulvic acidwhich is a powerful antioxidant and it is said that the energy metabolism in the cells is better. Research confirms some surprising facts:

Increase in testosterone
In a 2016 study published in the magazine Andrologythe men who took 250 mg of Shilajit twice a day had testosterone levels of 20% higher after 90 days. This potentially means more energy, muscle and libido mass (source: Andrology, 2016).
Improve brain function
A 2012 study suggests that Shilajit could help prevent neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s reducing the accumulation of harmful proteins in the brain (source: NCBI, 2012).
More energy and less effort
A study from 2018 discovered that Shilajit improves mitochondrial function, which means that cells produce more ATP, which translates into less fatigue and more resistance (source: NCBI, 2018).
Support the health of bones and joints
Fulvic acid is said to help to maintain bone density, which is particularly interesting for women in menopause (source: ScienceDirect, 2022).

But be careful: it’s not all gold (and not even sure) what glitters!

And now we come to the part a little less pleasant in history. Shilajit, like any substance purchased online, requires extreme caution:

heavy metals: Since it is a natural substance, it can contain high levels of arsenic, lead and even mercury. Therefore, it is necessary to choose a certified and purified product in the laboratory.
No health indication is approved in the EU: EFSA (European Food Safety Authority) has not approved any health indication for Shilajit, which means that marketing often borders on the gray area of the exaggerated promises.
Possible side effects: Shilajit can cause allergic reactions, digestive problems or interactions with other drugs, so it is essential to consult a doctor before use, especially if you suffer from chronic diseases or you are taking drugs (source: WebMD).

Why are we humans so fascinated by the resins that flow by the Himalayas?

The answer is simple: the stories sell, the secrets sell even better. Himalaya is synonymous with mystery, inaccessibility and exoticism. Psychologically, we humans are planned to perceive that everything that comes from places difficult to achieve gives us a sense of exclusivity, superiority and the true, authentic power of nature.

There are already many influencers on Instagram and Tiktok showing in their videos the “changes of life” after using the shilajit, which obviously increases our desire to try it in person.