Shilajit among Spirulina, maca root and ashwagandha are common superfood names that we hear when discussing superfoods. But hidden away in the Himalayan rugged crags lies an old tar-like substance that is slowly rising to rank itself as one of the top superfoods globally named as Shilajit. Long used in Ayurvedic medicine, this mineral-dense exudate is beginning to gain world renown in the culinary wellness world not only as a supplement, but as a functional food upgrade.

 

Shilajit is a dark black sticky fluid which oozes out of the cracks of the Himalayan rocks in the hot summer seasons. It is the result of hundreds of centuries of plant and microbial breakdown that chemically transform the plant and microbial materials to a highly concentrated resin high in fulvic acid, humic substances and many more than 80 trace minerals.

Ayurvedic books referred to it as conquering mountains and destroyer of weakness one, but that may sound too mythical, however, modern science has now started to support its potential. 

It has been well known in the wellness domain as

● Shilajit boosts physical strength and increase endurance

● Shilajit is an aid in absorption of nutrients

● Shilajit is anti-inflammatory and antioxidant

● Shilajit aids in the improvement of cognitive and reproductive capacity

Can You Eat It? Yes, you can eat Shilajit and there are some popular ways that you can consume it at present times.

Traditionally, people have been taking Shilajit in small doses of resin in a warm cup of milk-water. This is where modern food innovation is rising to the combination of super foods added in personal preferences. With the addition of Shilajit into the daily consumption diets people are attempting to harness the effects of its wellness.

You can add a pea sized purified Shilajit to your morning espresso. This nutrient rich drink combines the benefits of coffee with the health properties of Shilajit. 

A 100 mg of Shilajit can be added to Cacao and Banana as a recovery smoothie. This smoothie with high mineral content provides a natural energy boost without added sugars and can be best for pre workout as well as post workout boost.

Some chocolate connoisseurs are now experimenting with fulvic acid rich dark chocolate bars infused with microdoses of Shilajit for a true brain and body boost.

Shilajit Ghee Balls are the bite sized treats made of ghee, dates, cardamom and Shilajit in traditional Indian Kitchens. These are used for nutritional and medicinal purposes in Indian Kitchens.

Shilajit is used alongside other herbal ingredients like ashwagandha, turmeric, or black cumin seed to strengthen the effects of those herbals. The strong taste of Shilajit with combination of smoky, bitter and earthy aroma can be an efficient addition to broths and tonics.

Before taking or buying Shilajit it is essential to know the purity and dosage of Shilajit. Always go for purified shilajit as unprocessed Shilajit may contain heavy metals and contaminants which can adversely impact health. So, it is essential to source shilajit from reputable, certified, lab tested suppliers. The potent nature of Shilajit puts a safe dosage ranging from 100-250 mgs/day. It is not an ingredient to be scooped like turmeric or cinnamon but should be microdosed.

Shilajit is not only the medicine of the ancient past, it is also a wellness product for the future. Respectfully and innovatively utilized, such black resin has potential not only to be perceived as a supplement but as a new era in the cookbook of wellness of gastronomy issues.