Shilajit is a wonderfully celebrated supplement believed to have a variety of health benefits, ranging from increased vitality to anti-aging properties. Recently, it has gained another accolade: a daily dose of shilajit resin can aid weight loss. Does it have any actual merit or is this another example of a traditional remedy being pushed into the 21st century?
If you're thinking about incorporating shilajit into your weight loss plan, or you're already taking shilajit and you're not sure if it's helping you lose weight, then this article has the answers.
Traditional Use of Shilajit - What is It?
Shilajit is a mineralized resin that ebbs from the rock formations of mountain ranges over thousands of years and contains many minerals. It contains fulvic acid, humic acid, and many trace minerals; mainly used in Ayurveda for centuries as a rasayana (rejuvenating substance) to restore vitality and overall power.
Interestingly, the old Ayurvedic manuscripts do not mention shilajit as an anti-obesity supplement. It is more often related to strength, stamina, energy and overall vitality. When assessing the newer weight loss claims found in wellness spaces, this context will be important.
Claims of weight loss from Shilajit.
The people who recommend shilajit for weight reduction normally describe a couple of suggested mechanisms they believe it works: weight metabolism improvement, superior mitochondrial function, decreased fatigue, allowing for regular exercise, and basic help to the vitality of the body which indirectly helps weight reduction initiatives. Others cite that shilajit's mineral profile has a positive effect on metabolic performance.
While these benefits may seem like a good idea on the surface, it is important to understand the difference between taking a herb for general vitality and energy and taking one with direct fat burning properties. These are rather distinct claims, with the evidence available favoring the first one much more strongly than the second.
What Does the Research Actually Say?
There is little scientific evidence that studies shilajit's effects on weight loss. However, existing studies have been on its effects on other areas like increasing testosterone levels, improving energy and reducing fatigue, cognitive function and antioxidant activity, rather than weight loss as the primary outcome.
There are some animal studies examining the role of shilajit in mitochondrial function and energy metabolism, which could have implications for energy production and utilization. This is quite a ways off from a controlled human trial showing measurable weight loss from shilajit supplementation, though. The truth is, there is no good, direct clinical evidence to support shilajit alone as a weight loss supplement.
This doesn't imply that shilajit is not relevant to a weight management regimen completely, but so far, the claims from the web are typically over-ambitious of what the existing research can actually back up.
Shilajit may also have an indirect effect on weight management.
Shilajit is not a direct fat burning supplement, but it is most likely an aid to energy levels and physical stamina in a weight loss program:
Less fatigue: If shilajit does indeed help to reduce fatigue for some people, then this may encourage them to keep exercising which is one of the most effective weight management tools available.
Exercise performance and recovery: There has been some research on shilajit's effects on exercise performance and recovery, which could have indirect effects on promoting physical activity over time.
Mineral and metabolic support: The mineral content of shilajit can give general metabolic support, which is a more general benefit than losing fat.
That is, shilajit's closest application to weight loss is as an aid to an active lifestyle rather than as an active fat burner. This is one of the reasons why many people combine shilajit with a complementary adaptogen like ashwagandha, which has a more stamina-enhancing profile, complementing that of shilajit.
How to Use Shilajit If You're Trying It
However, if you use shilajit as part of several targets to lose weight, its sensible approach is more important than the dosage. Most Ayurvedic advice is to take just a little bit, the size of a pea of resin (around 150-200 mg) in a glass of warm water or milk, preferably in the morning, but gradually increasing as your body adapts.
This is especially significant with shilajit because of the fact that some resin is not sourced and other resin may be contaminated with heavy metals or other chemicals. The key is to select a well-purified, lab-tested shilajit supplement to ensure safety and that one is receiving the mineral and fulvic acid content that has made shilajit a traditional supplement in the first place. Formulations such as Varah Healthcare's Shilajit Gold with Ashwagandha are specifically created with this quality and combination of ingredients in mind – purified shilajit resin with ashwagandha for strength, vitality and stamina.
For your reference, here are some realistic expectations.
For those looking for significant weight loss with shilajit without adjusting their diet or exercise habits, it's essential to have realistic expectations. The most accurate and evidence-based way to frame it is that shilajit may help with energy and vitality, thereby promoting adherence to diet and exercise routines that are more likely to lead to weight loss, rather than as a direct weight loss aid.
Conclusion
So, can shilajit resin aid weight reduction? So, based on the current research, the only honest answer is "no". Traditional and modern studies around the reputation of shilajit are mostly centered on vitality, stamina and energy support, which can be beneficial to some in terms of staying active and consistent, but it is not a standalone weight loss supplement. Incorporate it into your wellness routine if you wish, but use it as a small component of a comprehensive and realistic weight management program that focuses on diet and exercise; only a well-purified weight management product, tested for quality, can be used safely and measurably, such as products from Varah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is there strong scientific evidence that shilajit causes weight loss?
A: No, there are not yet direct clinical studies specifically examining the connection between shilajit and weight loss. Existing research tends to be on other benefits such as those relating to energy, stamina and antioxidant activity.
Q: Does shilajit substitute for diet and exercise to lose weight?
A: No, although it has a reputation for vitality and stamina, shilajit should not be considered as a supplement to a balanced diet and regular exercise, which are the two most important factors to consider when it comes to weight loss.
Q: How long should I take shilajit before expecting any results?
A: As per the most general Ayurvedic advice, if you use it for a period of 4 to 8 weeks you will find out if there is any change in your energy or vitality or not, as it acts over time.
Q: Is shilajit safe to take daily?
A: For healthy adults, a correctly purified shilajit product like Varah Shilajit Gold with Ashwagandha is safe to take regularly in the recommended doses, unless the person has any health conditions or is taking medication; in this case, it is wise to seek the advice of a doctor before use.
