• Shilajit is a natural food supplement with several health benefits.shredded herbs - can be used as background image by Elnur from Fotolia.com
  
  Shilajit is a blackish-brown, organic substance that is naturally found in vegetation-rich, mountainous regions. Though its definitive source is debatable, several researchers believe that shilajit is a kind of plant latex gum-resin which oozes out of mountainous rocks during severe heat conditions. Shilajit is reputed to possess many healing properties and is used by traditional healers to treat several health conditions.
  
  

Anti-diabetic

• Extensive research conducted at the Institute of Medial Sciences, India, by Dr. Salil K. Bhattacharya proved that the presence of fulvic acid and other closely associated humic compounds were responsible for the anti-diabetic activity of shilajit. Fulvic acid successfully eradicated free radical damage to pancreatic islet B cells, a leading cause of diabetes. The Ayurveda For You website states that shilajit improves pancreatic function to secrete insulin and aids in the expulsion of toxins through the urine.
  
  

High-altitude Sickness Relief

• At high altitudes, low atmospheric pressure and other extreme environmental conditions give rise to a variety of health conditions. These conditions can be life-threatening and include acute mountain sickness, cerebral and pulmonary edema, insomnia, lethargy, appetite loss, body aches, dementia and depression. The article, "Shilajit: A panacea for high-altitude problems" published in the "International Journal of Ayurveda Research", advocates shilajit as a "health rejuvenator" in overcoming high-altitude related problems. Shilajit rejuvenates and restores the body's energy levels by transporting nutrients straight to the deep tissues.
  
  

Anti-ulcerative and Anti-inflammatory

• In laboratory studies on rats, shilajit demonstrated anti-ulcerative and anti-inflammatory properties. Shilajit is recommended in the treatment of peptic ulcers, owing to active constituents like fulvic acid and 4/-methoxy 6-carbomethoxy bi phenyl. These active constituents increase the carbohydrate/protein ratio, decrease the gastric ulcer index and create a greater mucus barrier that prevents ulcer growth. Shilajit's anti-inflammatory effect was proven on rats that were induced with acute pedal oedema, granuloma pouch and arthritis.