Shilajit Review | Top 5 Benefits of Shilajit Explained

Summary

In this Nutrition Library video, the host delves into the benefits of shilajit, a natural supplement. Impressed by research, the host highlights five key health effects: increased muscle mass and strength, improved testosterone and fertility in men, enhanced exercise performance, potential cognitive benefits, and overall health improvements such as better blood lipid profiles and antioxidant levels. The video emphasizes shilajit's multifaceted role in optimizing hormone production, athletic performance, and cognitive function, positioning it as a valuable addition to one's health regimen.

Takeaways

• 💪 Shilajit has been found to increase and improve muscle mass, lean mass, and muscular strength, especially in recreationally active men.
• 🧬 Research suggests that shilajit can improve genetic markers related to muscle hypertrophy and retention, indicating potential for muscle growth and strength.
• 🚀 Shilajit is one of the few compounds with research supporting its ability to increase testosterone levels in healthy men, along with ashwagandha.
• 💡 The compound also shows promise in improving fertility in men by increasing testosterone levels, with significant improvements noted in infertile men.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Shilajit may enhance exercise performance, as indicated by rodent studies showing improved mitochondrial function, which is crucial for energy production in the body.
• 🧠 Preliminary evidence hints at a potential cognitive benefit of shilajit, possibly due to its pro-dopaminergic effects, which could improve executive functioning and motivation.
• 💊 Shilajit is considered a health-promoting compound with studies showing its positive effects on blood lipid profiles and overall antioxidant status in the body.
• 🛡️ The antioxidant capacity of shilajit, particularly as a testicular antioxidant, and its mineral content may contribute to its hormone-optimizing effects.
• 🧘‍♂️ Shilajit's effects on cognitive and emotional well-being could be attributed to its action on inhibitory receptors like glycine and GABA, promoting a grounding effect.
• 📈 The speaker has updated their hormone optimization guide to include shilajit due to its wide-ranging benefits, and has personally added it to their supplement regimen.
• 🔍 The speaker emphasizes the importance of blood panel testing and provides a link for viewers interested in optimizing their hormone levels.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is a review of the effects of a supplement called shilajit, focusing on its potential health benefits and the research supporting those claims.

What is the host's initial stance on shilajit after conducting research?

The host is fairly impressed with shilajit, as evidenced by his decision to purchase more of the supplement and update his hormone optimization guide based on the breadth of evidence supporting shilajit's benefits.

What are the five primary health effects discussed in the video?

The five primary health effects discussed are: 1) Shilajit's ability to increase and improve muscle mass, lean mass, and muscular strength; 2) Its ability to increase testosterone and fertility in men; 3) Its potential to improve exercise performance; 4) A possible pro-cognitive benefit; and 5) Its ability to improve general health.

What was unique about the study involving recreationally active males?

The study was unique because it used recreationally active males, a demographic that is typically healthy and does not often show a large margin of benefit with specific compounds, making the findings particularly significant.

How does shilajit potentially contribute to muscle hypertrophy and retention?

Shilajit may contribute to muscle hypertrophy and retention by improving and increasing genetic markers associated with these processes, as suggested by the research mentioned in the video.

What are the two compounds mentioned in the video that have research supporting their ability to increase testosterone in healthy men?

The two compounds mentioned are shilajit and ashwagandha, both of which have research supporting their ability to increase testosterone levels in healthy men.

How does shilajit potentially improve exercise performance according to rodent studies?

According to rodent studies, shilajit may improve exercise performance by enhancing mitochondrial function, which is crucial for energy production in the body.

What is the proposed mechanism behind shilajit's cognitive benefits?

The proposed mechanism behind shilajit's cognitive benefits includes its pro-dopaminergic effects, which can reduce prolactin levels and improve executive functioning and motivation, as well as its potential activation of glycine and GABA receptors, which are inhibitory receptors.

How does shilajit affect blood lipid profiles and antioxidant profiles?

Shilajit has been shown in studies to affect blood lipid profiles by impacting triglycerides, HDL, and LDL cholesterol levels, as well as improving the general antioxidant profile within the body.

What additional resources does the host recommend for viewers interested in hormone optimization and blood panel testing?

The host recommends a downloadable PDF on ways to optimize hormones and a link for getting a blood panel done, both of which can be found in the video description.

Outlines

00:00

💪 Effects of Shilajit on Muscle Mass and Strength

The video begins with an introduction to the topic of shilajit, a supplement that the speaker is impressed with after conducting research. The first health benefit discussed is shilajit's potential to increase and improve muscle mass, lean mass, and muscular strength. A study is highlighted where shilajit helped preserve muscle mass and strength in recreationally active males undergoing an exhaustive exercise routine. The speaker also mentions another study suggesting that shilajit can improve genetic markers related to muscle hypertrophy and retention, indicating its promising effects on muscle function and growth.

05:03

🚹 Shilajit's Impact on Testosterone and Fertility in Men

The second paragraph delves into shilajit's ability to increase testosterone levels and fertility in men. A study is cited that demonstrates shilajit's unique ability to raise testosterone in healthy men over several weeks, making it one of the few compounds with research backing its effectiveness for this purpose. Additionally, the study showed shilajit's potential to improve fertility in infertile men significantly. While the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, the speaker suggests that shilajit's antioxidant capacity, mineral content, and pro-dopaminergic effects may contribute to these benefits, positioning shilajit as a favored compound for hormone optimization.

10:07

🏃‍♂️ Enhancing Exercise Performance with Shilajit

The third paragraph explores shilajit's potential to improve exercise performance, with evidence currently limited to rodent studies. A study is mentioned where rodents showed improved performance in a forced swim test, which the researchers hypothesize may be due to enhanced mitochondrial function. The mitochondria, being the cell's powerhouse, is crucial for energy production in the form of ATP. The speaker finds this particularly interesting given the rarity of compounds that have been shown to improve mitochondrial function, adding to the list of health benefits attributed to shilajit.

🧠 Preliminary Evidence for Cognitive Benefits of Shilajit

The fourth paragraph presents preliminary evidence suggesting potential cognitive benefits of shilajit. Although the research is in its early stages, the speaker finds the proposed mechanisms intriguing. Shilajit appears to have a pro-dopaminergic effect, which could be beneficial for reducing prolactin levels and improving executive functioning and motivation. Additionally, shilajit may activate glycine and GABA receptors, which could explain subjective reports of shilajit's grounding effects. While more research is needed, the speaker considers these preliminary findings noteworthy.

🌿 General Health Benefits of Shilajit

The final paragraph discusses shilajit's potential to improve general health, with studies in both rodents and humans indicating its positive effects on blood lipid profiles, including triglycerides and cholesterol levels, as well as enhancing overall antioxidant profiles. The speaker emphasizes the value of compounds that address multiple health aspects and sees shilajit as fitting this criterion. It improves hormone function, athletic and cognitive performance, and overall health, leading the speaker to incorporate it into their personal supplement regimen.

Keywords

💡Shilajit

Shilajit is a natural substance that is the focus of the video. It is derived from the Himalayas and is known for its potential health benefits. The video discusses various studies and evidence supporting the positive effects of shilajit on health, such as increasing muscle mass, improving testosterone levels, and enhancing cognitive function. It is a central theme of the video, with multiple benefits attributed to its consumption.

💡Muscle Mass

Muscle mass refers to the amount of muscle tissue in the body. The video highlights a study showing shilajit's potential to increase and improve muscle mass, as well as muscular strength. This is particularly relevant for individuals engaged in physical activities or seeking to improve their physique, as it suggests that shilajit could support muscle retention and growth.

💡Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the development of male reproductive tissues and secondary sexual characteristics. The video emphasizes studies indicating that shilajit can increase testosterone levels in men, which can have implications for fertility and overall health. This is a key point in the video, as it positions shilajit as a natural supplement that could potentially enhance male hormone production.

💡Fertility

Fertility refers to the ability to conceive children. The video mentions that shilajit has been shown to improve fertility in men by increasing testosterone levels. This suggests that shilajit could be beneficial for men who are experiencing fertility issues, providing a natural approach to enhancing reproductive health.

💡Exercise Performance

Exercise performance relates to the efficiency and effectiveness with which an individual can perform physical activities. The video discusses rodent studies that suggest shilajit could improve exercise performance by enhancing mitochondrial function, which is crucial for energy production in the body. This indicates that shilajit might be a valuable supplement for athletes or those looking to boost their workout capabilities.

💡Mitochondrial Function

Mitochondrial function pertains to the activity of mitochondria, which are the energy-producing structures within cells. The video suggests that shilajit may improve mitochondrial function, leading to better energy production and, consequently, enhanced exercise performance. This is an important aspect of the video, as it ties shilajit's benefits to cellular energy metabolism.

💡Cognitive Function

Cognitive function encompasses various mental processes such as memory, attention, and decision-making. The video touches on preliminary evidence suggesting that shilajit may have pro-cognitive benefits, potentially due to its effects on dopamine and other neurotransmitter systems. This is intriguing as it hints at shilajit's potential to support brain health and cognitive abilities.

💡Antioxidant Capacity

Antioxidant capacity refers to the ability of a substance to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. The video mentions that shilajit has antioxidant properties, which could contribute to its health benefits by protecting cells from damage. This is relevant as it provides a possible mechanism by which shilajit may improve overall health and hormone function.

💡Mineral Compounds

Mineral compounds are inorganic substances that are essential for various bodily functions. The video discusses how shilajit is a source of several mineral compounds that may play a role in its health benefits, particularly for hormonal health. This is significant as it suggests that shilajit's effects may be multifaceted, with minerals contributing to its overall efficacy.

💡Hormone Optimization Guide

The Hormone Optimization Guide is a resource mentioned in the video that viewers can download. It is likely to contain information on how to naturally balance and optimize hormone levels, with shilajit being one of the recommended compounds. This guide is relevant as it provides practical advice for those interested in using shilajit and other methods to improve their hormonal health.

💡Blood Panel

A blood panel is a set of tests that measure various components in a blood sample to assess health. The video highly recommends getting a blood panel done, which can provide insights into hormone levels, blood lipid profiles, and other health markers. This recommendation is important as it suggests a proactive approach to health monitoring, allowing individuals to make informed decisions about their health and supplementation.

Highlights

Shilajit's potential to increase and improve muscle mass, lean mass, and muscular strength.

A study showing shilajit's ability to preserve muscle mass and strength during exhaustive exercise routines, specifically in recreationally active males.

The unique ability of shilajit to improve genetic markers for muscle hypertrophy and retention, as suggested by another study.

Shilajit's capacity to increase testosterone levels and fertility in men, supported by research on healthy and infertile men.

Shilajit being one of the few compounds with research backing its ability to improve testosterone function in men.

Proposed mechanisms for shilajit's effects include its antioxidant capacity and mineral content, beneficial for hormonal health.

Shilajit's potential as a pro-dopaminergic compound, which may suppress prolactin and promote testosterone.

Evidence from rodent studies suggesting shilajit can improve exercise performance possibly due to enhanced mitochondrial function.

Shilajit's potential cognitive benefits, including its pro-dopaminergic effects and activation of glycine and GABA receptors.

Preliminary research indicating shilajit's grounding effects, possibly due to its action on inhibitory receptors.

Studies showing shilajit's impact on blood lipid profiles and general antioxidant profiles, contributing to overall health.

Shilajit's multifaceted benefits, including hormone function, athletic performance, and cognitive performance.

The presenter's personal decision to include shilajit in their supplement stack due to its comprehensive health benefits.

A recommendation for viewers to check the link in the description for a PDF on hormone optimization.

A suggestion for viewers to consider getting a blood panel done, with a link provided in the description.

Transcripts

hey guys so in this video we're  going to be reviewing the effects of  

shilajit so let's dive right in

hey guys welcome to nutrition library where we  take an evidence and wellness based approach  

to supplementation and nutrition if you  haven't already do me a huge favor and  

hit that red subscribe button as well as that  like button so that you can stay up to date  

with all of our future content thank you  so much all right so shilajit i'm actually  

fairly impressed with this one and after  doing uh all the research that i have done  

over the past week i actually had to do a couple  of things one i actually had to go buy some more  

so i hadn't taken this supplement in some time  and so after doing the research on this and  

seeing all the potential benefits and effects  uh that come along with shilajit consumption  

um i went and bought actually a couple of tubs of  it and the second thing that i had to do was to  

actually update my hormone optimization guide  that you guys can actually download through a  

link in the description but i actually had to kind  of alter that a little bit because of the breadth  

of evidence that there is on shilajit's ability  to actually optimize hormone production in men  

but before i get ahead of myself let's go ahead  and jump into the five primary health effects  

of shilajit as well as the research that backs up  those effects and the proposed mechanisms as to  

why shilajit actually affects the body and how  it affects the body in a way that it does now  

the first health benefit that we're going to talk  about today is shilajit's ability to increase and  

improve muscle mass lean mass as well as muscular  strength now this study in particular that is  

fairly promising showed the ability of shilajit  to preserve muscle mass and muscle strength while  

taking uh the participants that went through this  study through an exhaustive exercise routine now  

the reason this study is so special is because it  actually used recreationally active males and it  

is for any of you guys that have done any research  on anything before know how difficult it is to  

come by compounds that have actually been studied  in recreationally active people you just don't see  

it and the reason for that is that typically  speaking recreationally active men are usually  

fairly healthy and so you just don't see a very  large margin of benefit with specific compounds  

in this specific subpopulation however this study  did use recreationally active men and did find  

that while these participants were taking about  500 milligrams of a purified shilajit compound  

that while they went through the course of this  exhaustive exercise routine for several weeks  

that there was a retention in maximal strength  as well as maximal muscle retention as well now  

there are probably several mechanisms that are  at play here but one of the more interesting  

mechanisms that has been proposed by  a different study is that shilajit has  

the ability to improve and increase the genetic  markers of improved muscle hypertrophy as well as  

muscle retention now again this study is fairly  promising as well because it was uh in human  

subjects now these subjects were obese that went  through this study in particular however when  

you take these two studies and put them together  it does show a promising ability of shilajit to  

one preserve muscle function as well as increase  the genetic markers and potential for muscle  

growth and strength as well now the second  health benefit and health effect that we're  

going to talk about today in this video  is shilajit's ability to actually increase  

testosterone as well as fertility in men now  this study in particular showed a very very  

unique ability of shilajit given over the course  of several weeks to increase testosterone in  

healthy men now again for any of you guys that  have done research on compounds that are used  

to increase testosterone shilajit and ashwagandha  are literally the only two compounds that have any  

research behind them in improving and increasing  testosterone in healthy men which shows just how  

special not only this study in particular is but  how special shilajit is as a compound as well now  

this study also showed the ability of shilajit to  increase testosterone levels in infertile men as  

well as improved fertility by a very significant  degree and so shilajit is fairly rapidly becoming  

one of my most favorite compounds in conjunction  with some other compounds to improve testosterone  

function for one myself but also to folks that i  am making recommendations to on a regular basis  

now i don't think that the mechanisms that are  at play here are fully understood yet but some  

of the proposed mechanisms that are in play  are one the antioxidant capacity of shilajit  

specifically as a testicular antioxidant and it  also appears that shilajit is a fairly reliable  

source of several mineral compounds that also seem  to be at play here um and so for any of you guys  

that have seen my other videos i am a fairly  big fan of mineral consumption specifically  

for hormonal health the effects of zinc magnesium  and boron specifically have been repeatedly shown  

to improve testicular function and hormone  function in both men and women but on top of  

that shilajit also seems to be a pro-dopaminergic  compound meaning that it increases the function  

of dopamine in specific regions of the  brain which typically speaking is going to  

suppress prolactin which is typically going  to have a pro-testosterone effect in the body  

now the third health benefit that we're going to  talk about today is shilajit's ability to improve  

exercise performance as well now the evidence here  is only from rodent studies at the moment however  

i do think it is fairly promising just because  of the mechanisms of action that are at play  

here but in this study in particular there was an  improvement in overall exercise performance in the  

rodents that were put into a forced swim test and  this study was hypothesizing that it was because  

of an improvement in mitochondrial function  so for those of you that are familiar with the  

mitochondria the mitochondria is essentially  like the powerhouse of the cell that produces  

atp which is your most basic fundamental form of  energy in the body and so throughout these two  

studies there was several improvements in the  markers surrounding mitochondrial function and  

so the researchers of both of these studies  were hypothesizing that the improvement in  

exercise performance that was being observed in  these rodent trials was because of an improvement  

in mitochondrial function now this one is super  interesting to me because i am aware of only a  

handful of other compounds that have been shown in  any type of living model to improve mitochondrial  

function and so when you add this possible  health benefit on top of the proven effect to  

muscle retention and muscle recovery as well as  the improvement in testosterone function within  

the body shilajit is quickly becoming one of my  most favorite compounds now the fourth health  

benefit and i'll probably just classify it as  a possible health benefit because the evidence  

here is also just performed in rodents at the  moment however the fourth possible health benefit  

is that there is a pro cognitive benefit as well  now even though the evidence here and the research  

here is extremely preliminary i did think it was  notable to put this in here simply because the  

mechanisms that are at play and that is that one  there is an apparent pro dopaminergic effect with  

shilajit which is super important to me because  um when i got my test back a few months ago my  

hormone panel that was done i was extremely high  in prolactin which um isn't that surprising to me  

just because of the stress that i've been under  the last several months with introducing a new  

baby into our home and an extreme lack  of sleep that comes along with that but  

again my prolactin was super high and so one of  the main ways that you can reduce prolactin it was  

with pro dopaminergic compounds like mucunapurians  which is really one of the only compounds  

that i was at the moment aware of that was  pro-dopaminergic but it does appear that shilajit  

is in the same class of compounds now i also  like pro dopaminergic compounds because they  

also improve executive functioning and things like  motivation as well which i think is something that  

every man should be desiring to optimize but  what i also find interesting about shilajit  

is that it also apparently is to some degree  activating the glycine and gaba receptors  

which are two inhibitory receptors which kind  of makes sense with a lot of the subjective  

experiences that i'm hearing online in reddit  forums and things of that nature is that it's  

shilajit is super grounding which can be explained  by the fact that it is activating some inhibitory  

receptors as well as some of the more motivating  receptors like the dopaminergic receptors and so  

the evidence here isn't fully robust yet but i  did think it was super interesting and worthy of  

noting here now the fifth and final health benefit  that we're going to talk about in this video is  

shilajit's ability to improve general health  now there are a handful of studies that have  

been performed in both rodents and human trials  that show uh shilajit's ability to affect blood  

lipid profile triglycerides as well as hdl  and ldl cholesterol as well as improving just  

general antioxidant profiles within the body and  so i'm not gonna spend a ton of time on this one  

in particular however i did think it was worthy to  note just because um when i am personally making  

decisions on compounds to take i'm always looking  for compounds that are checking multiple boxes  

and it appears that shilajit is just one of those  compounds that not only improves hormone function  

athletic performance executive and cognitive  performance but also is just in general a healthy  

compound to consume so this is personally one  that i'm going to be adding into my personal stack  

and i don't see it going anywhere anytime soon  until some further research comes out but other  

than that guys that's all i have for you today  again if you're interested in that pdf on ways to  

optimize your hormone check out the link that's  in the description and if you are interested  

in getting a blood panel done which i highly  highly highly recommend there is a link in the  

description as well for that but other than that i  will see you guys next time thank you for watching