How Much Zinc In Shilajit: Benefits, Dosage, and Health Insights
Shilajit is a gooey amalgamation found in the Himalayan and Altai regions, and it can be found in a few high-altitude areas across the globe. It is used in traditional medicine, especially Ayurveda due to its therapeutic effects. It contains many minerals and bioactive components, and out of all the micronutrients available, zinc can be labeled as the key mineral that contributes to the health-promoting properties of Shilajit.
This article contains analysis of zinc in Shilajit, effectiveness of zinc in Shilajit, how effective Shilajit is compared to natural sources of zinc, and the overall breakdown of minerals present in Shilajit.
What is Shilajit?
As previously stated, Shilajit is a resin it can clearly be defined as sticky content that emerges from rocks in mountainous regions due to high temperatures. It primarily consists of organic plant matter that goes through a decomposition process over the period of several hundred years together with humic and other natural organic substances. The composition of Shilajit is influenced by the place of location, therefore, the source of the resin also varies due to the nature of the chemical processes that occur around it.
Zinc Content in Shilajit: Is it Worth the Cost?
Shilajit contains a variety of trace elements, and zinc is one of the most significant in that blend. Its concentration is specific to the mineral location as well as the source of this mineral. The amount of zinc in Shilajit is on average between 0.2% and 0.3%, which is about 2 to 3 mg per gram of the Shilajit.
Interestingly, the bioavailability of zinc when consumed in the form of Shilajit is said to be much better than any other method, as the fulvic acid in Shilajit can enhance absorption of minerals by the body.
Please refer below for more details on the zinc content across different sources:
| Source | Zinc Content (mg per 100g) | Form | Bioavailability |
|---|
| Shilajit | 200-300 mg (0.2% - 0.3%) | Resin, powder | High due to fulvic acid |
| Oysters | 74-76 mg | Seafood | Very high |
| Beef (cooked) | 5-9 mg | Meat | Moderate |
| Pumpkin seeds | 7.5 mg | Seeds | Moderate |
| Spinach | 0.53 mg | Leafy vegetable | Low |
| Chickpeas | 1.5 mg | Legume |
Moderate |
Shilajit Supplemental Zinc Benefits
Zinc is a biological trace mineral that is essential for a number of physiological processes. Let’s examine its forming Shilajit health benefits more closely.
1. Immune System Support
Zinc supplementation metabolically promotes specific immune system activity through T-cells, which are essential in responding to infections.
2. Wound Healing
Zinc is involved in wound healing due to its ability to assist with tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis. It also helps in reducing inflammation associated with the intense injury and enhances recovery from the injury.
3. Antioxidant Properties
Zinc in Shilajit is a strong antioxidant. It destroys free radicals and can minimize oxidative stress, a condition that increases the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
4. Skin Health
Zinc has been used for topical formulations for a wide range of skin disorders, such as acne, eczema, and other skin problems. Shilajit, which contains bioavailable zinc, may improve skin health when used in the diet on a regular basis.
5. Cognitive Function
It has been suggested that zinc is necessary for the functioning of the brain regarding memory, learning, and mood. The different forms of trace minerals obtained from Shilajit, such as zinc, are thought to enhance cognitive ability.
6. Hormonal Balance
Zinc assists in maintaining hormone balance, such as testosterone levels, which explains why Shilajit is often recommended to men who wish to have children and want to improve their sexual health.
How Zinc in Shilajit Works with Other Minerals
Shilajit is rich in minerals such as magnesium, calcium, iron, potassium, and manganese, all of which complement and facilitate the bioavailability and absorption of zinc. Fulvic acid from Shilajit also enhances the bioavailability of minerals by acting as a chelating agent, meaning it binds to the minerals and enables easier transportation into the cells.
Zinc In Shilajit vs Other Foods With High Concentration of Zinc
A Comparative Study In A Nutshell Shilajit stands out from other foods because of how easily it absorbs zinc. Most foods are not as bioavailable, which is where Shilajit shines, as it is rich in humic substances and fulvic acids, which can further assist the organism in absorbing zinc much more efficiently compared with oysters or meat.
When taking into account the effectiveness of zinc content in food ingredients, it’s more effective in Shilajit even if the summation zinc content in oysters or meat is greater.
Which Shilajit can be consumed in order to extract zinc?
Best Practices To Use Shilajit For Extracting Zinc There are three major forms through Shilajit Resin Consumed in warm water, milk, or tea, Shilajit resin provides users with potent results. A normal dosage tends to be around pea-sized.
Shilajit Powder The concentrated Shilajit Powder easily mixes with smoothies, supplements, and even milk. Shilajit Capsules A more bioavailable option but less potent are Shilajit capsules, which, for some, are easier to take. Shilajit resin is consumed daily at doses of 300 – 500mg aptly providing humans with the required amount of zinc along with other minerals.
Other Effects Shilajit is often regarded as a safe supplement. However, it should still be consumed in moderation because irresponsible consumption can still cause digestive issues, allergies, and, in some cases, heavy metal poisoning if low quality Shilajit is ingested.
As a rule of thumb, ensure that the Shilajit in question is purified and checked for contamination. Finishing Looking at an overall summary, Shilajit has an abundance of zinc amongst other minerals, and to ensure proper absorption, fulvic acid is always present.
This means the zinc available in shilajit may be considered low when put side by side with oysters or beef, but in its blend with other trace minerals and its high absorption, it can work as an effective supplement for zinc intake and for general health.
Sources:
Shilajit in resin or powder form is considered the most effective and pure with minerals it contains, making it ideal for those interested in Shilajit as a source of zinc.