Shilajit vs Maca: Which Superfood Packs a Bigger Punch?

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Are you looking for a natural way to boost your energy, improve your mood, and support your overall health?

If so, you may have heard about two popular supplements: shilajit and maca root. But which one is right for you?

Shilajit and maca root are both considered “adaptogens,” meaning they help your body adapt to stress and maintain balance. However, they come from different sources and offer different benefits.

Shilajit is a sticky resin that oozes from rocks in the Himalayas, while maca root is a tuber grown in the Andes Mountains of Peru.

Both of these herbal medicines have a long history of use in their respective countries of origin, where they have been utilised in the treatment of a variety of health conditions.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits and potential drawbacks of shilajit and maca root, so you can decide for yourself which one is best for your needs. Let’s get started!

What Is Shilajit? Definition, Benefits, and Dosage:

Shilajit is a mineral-riched and tar-like organic compound. It contains fulvic acid, a humic substance and a natural product of decomposition formed during biological and geological breakdowns.

This compound was initially utilized in India’s Ayurvedic medicine and is believed to offer several health benefits.

What Are The Benefits of Shilajit?

1. Higher Testosterone Level

Shilajit contains compounds such as fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, which have been shown to increase testosterone levels in men.

These compounds help boost the production of testosterone by increasing the activity of enzymes involved in its synthesis, ultimately leading to improved male reproductive function and fertility.

A clinical evaluation has shown men aged 45 to 55 increased their testosterone levels after taking shilajit for 90 consecutive days.

2. Improves Energy and Physical Performance

Shilajit is known for its ability to improve energy and physical performance in men.

The compounds in shilajit help increase the production of ATP, the primary source of energy for the body’s cells.

This, in turn, enhances muscle function and endurance, allowing men to perform better during exercise and other physical activities.

3. Slows Aging Process and Enhances Brain Function

Fulvic acid is a strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent that protects your body and brain from cellular damage.

New scientific evidence reports that a daily intake of shilajit can significantly slow down your body’s aging process and helps prevent Alzheimer’s disease, a brain disorder targeting your behavior and memory capacity.

4. Fights Viruses and Boosts Immune System

The immune system is your body’s defense against pathogens, such as harmful bacteria and viruses. The therapeutic benefits of shilajit extend into boosting your immune system and fighting viruses.

The effects of taking antiretroviral medicines and shilajit have led to better results compared to taking medication alone.

5. Treat and Reduce Certain Diseases

Shilajit is also clinically proven to treat specific diseases and reduce the detrimental damages of certain medical conditions. If you are experiencing any of the diseases mentioned below, shilajit might help you!

However, it is still vital to consult your healthcare provider to guide you with the proper intake of shilajit along with your other medications.

6. Alleviates Altitude Sickness

This is often not talked about, but in the climbing community, shilajit is sometimes used to help climbers alleviate altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness can cause people to experience fatigue, body pain, difficulty breathing, and lower oxygen.

What Dosage of Shilajit Should I Take?

Shilajit can be taken in powdered form or supplement tablets, which can dissolve in water.

An intake of 200-500 mg per day is suggested for healthy individuals with no existing heart condition.

However, your dosage depends on your present medical condition, so it is advisable to consult your doctor before taking it.

When I took shilajit for the first time, one thing that really stood out is the taste. It has a very unique and strong taste which many people try to disguise. I mixed mine in with warm water, but many people mix it in their coffee or mix it in with some honey to really disguise the taste.

Check out my article sharing some things you can do to make shilajit taste better.

***Shilajit vs Maca: Which Superfood Packs a Bigger Punch?***

My Shilajit Recommendation

If you’re looking to try shilajit for yourself, I can recommend this product. It has a good profile from what I read and the preparation looks good too.

Just scoop a little bit out and let it melt in some warm water/coffee/tea and give it a little stir and it should be ready to drink.

What Is Maca? Definition, Benefits, and Dosage:

Maca root, traditionally known as Peruvian ginseng, originated in Peru. It is typically eaten as a ground powder and sometimes added to beverages, such as juice, coffee, and smoothies.

Researchers and medical experts have drawn their attention for years to study the beneficial effects of maca root on fertility, strength, and overall well-being of men and women.

What is Black Maca?

Maca root has different types, such as black, red, and yellow, which are generally the same in composition and uses.

However, black maca is different from the other types, it has higher antioxidant effects and the promotes healthy metabolic activities.

It is also considered the rarest and most valuable type of maca due to its unique nutritional profile and purported health benefits, including improved fertility and hormone balance.

What Are The Benefits of Maca Root?

1. Increased Fertility and Sperm Motility

In men, sperm concentration and motility are vital for fertility. Without the proper drive for sperm to swim properly, they cannot fulfill their mission to fertilize eggs.

Others undergo placebo treatment to increase their sperm counts and testosterone levels. But recent studies show that maca root can be a cheaper alternative to these treatments when taken correctly.

2. Boosts Energy and Physical Performance

Many endurance and strength athletes take maca root as a sports supplement.

Maca has been shown to increase athletes’ physical performances and reduces recovery time during workouts and training.

3. Increases Libido and Sexual Desire

A group of women diagnosed with antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction was found to have increased their libido after taking maca for 12 weeks.

Another review on maca’s benefits reported improved sexual desires of the participants after six weeks.

These studies prove that maca root supplements can effectively regain your sex libido and desires, even with existing medical conditions.

4. Reduces Menopausal Symptoms

Menopausal naturally occurs in women when their menstrual period stops permanently.

However, these occurrences have several symptoms, such as mood swings, vaginal dryness, and sleeping problems. Medical experts have found a way to alleviate these symptoms by using maca as a supplement.

5. Improve Cognitive Function

Our cognitive ability declines as we grow older. Some experience memory loss and slow motor coordination.

This age-related mental capacity decline was studied, and the results were positive that maca root can significantly preserve and improve cognitive functions.

What Dosage of Maca Root Should I Take?

Pharmaceuticals recommend a 3 to 5 grams daily maca intake to avoid side effects.
However, we want to remind you to take caution and visit your doctor to ask for expert advice before taking maca, especially if you have a present health condition.

My Maca Root Recommendation

If you’re looking for a good quality maca root recommendation, I can suggest this one. It is in a powder form, so in my opinion it’s better to mix it into a smoothie. I have tried mixing it with a spoon in a glass of water and by shaking it in a protein shaker and it just doesnt mix as well so that’s why I prefer to add it to smoothies.

Check out the video I made where I talk about my experience using maca for the first time!

I Tried Black Maca for Two Months and Here's What Happened!

Shilajit vs Maca Root FAQs

Can Shilajit and Maca be Taken Together?

Shilajit and maca are two naturally occurring supplements, so it is not dangerous when they are taken together. There are no particular cases reported yet due to any adverse effects of taking shilajit and maca at once.

Since both are clinically proven effective in boosting performance levels, improving cognitive functions, and increasing fertility, there is no need to take them both.

Are Shilajit and Maca Good for Men and Women?

The main benefits of shilajit and maca are ideal for men.

However, there are several advantages of taking these supplements for women, too. For instance, women can take shilajit to slow their aging process, strengthen their immune systems, and fight against specific diseases.

They can also take maca root to reduce menopausal symptoms and improve their sexual functions.

Author

Stuart Patrick: Stuart Patrick is a health and fitness lifestyle journalist who writes for ListedFit.com.

“I've spent a lot of time trying to get in shape and change my body and I realised there are so many untruths in the health and fitness industry that can slow down or stop your progress, so I share my knowledge and experience to help others to cut through the BS.”

Shilajit vs Maca: Which Superfood Packs a Bigger Punch?

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