Since you’re a Well.ca blog reader, you are obviously interested in natural health and wellness, and providing your body with the fuel it needs not only to survive but thrive! The question is, have you ever heard of an ancient wonder called shilajit? Traditionally sourced from the Himalayas, this mineral-rich substance has been revered for centuries and is now one of the most googled supplements due to its research-proven impact on brain health[1], bone regeneration[2], skin health[3], aging[4], inflammation[5], immunity[6], mood[7], cellular energy[8], etc.

Are you aware that one of the rarest and most potent forms of shilajit can be found right here in North America? More specifically, in the southeastern region of North America, a 100 million year old prehistoric deposit of shilajit was discovered several years ago, and the research and field trials show it contains some of the highest levels of the very substances responsible for shilajit’s amazing health benefits.

So what makes this North American shilajit so special, and why should you care? Let’s explore the unique qualities of this extraordinary discovery and why it’s becoming a favorite among health enthusiasts.

 

Shilajit: A Nutrient Miracle

Shilajit is the final breakdown material from plants that existed millions of years ago. As ancient rainforests eventually break down, they are transformed by the perfect storm of geological forces working with soil based organisms (the probiotics of the plant kingdom). This process creates a nutrient-dense substance that contains rare and powerful nutrients like humic and fulvic acids, organically-bound trace minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and numerous other bioactive compounds. These nutrients are essential for supporting overall health, including energy production, detoxification, and cellular function.

What sets North American shilajit apart from its Himalayan counterpart is not just the location, but the conditions in which it forms. The southeastern part of North America, home to this unique shilajit, is the remains of a prehistoric rainforest reserve. This environment, dating back 100 million years, provides an even more diverse range of plant matter compared to the newer formations found in the Himalayas. As a result, North American shilajit contains a richer concentration of the active components of shilajit, especially fulvic acid, making it the most potent shilajit available.

 

Not all Shilajit is Created Equal

Due to its ancient origin, North American shilajit seems to contain the widest variety of organic material and minerals. The mineral profile within shilajit is very different from other minerals, as each of the 77 trace minerals are bound to organic molecules within the decomposed plant cells. This means every mineral is instantly recognized as a natural food source and easily accepted into cells. Plant based organically bound trace minerals are highly bioavailable, safe and readily able to support various bodily functions, from enhancing energy levels, supporting bone health and promoting healthier skin, just to name a few. In fact, studies show that organic trace minerals, such as copper, manganese, and zinc, are not only better absorbed, but they are retained longer and are not excreted as fast[9].

What most defines the numerous health-supporting effects of shilajit, is its primary active nutrient -fulvic acid[10]. Fulvic acid is a micro-nano molecule, small enough to penetrate cell membranes, even entering the cells energy producing centers called mitochondria[11]. This makes it a key component in promoting cellular energy production and supporting healthy biological aging (i.e. antiaging). Due to its unique structure, fulvic acid also improves your body’s ability to absorb and use nutrients[12],[13].

The majority of Himalayan shilajit, contains anywhere from 40-50% of this vital compound, however North American shilajit boasts a fulvic acid content of 70%, which is 20-30% higher than most other forms, making it one of the most potent forms available.

Aside from fulvic acid, North American shilajit is also rich in humic acid, which plays a complementary role. Humic acid binds to toxins and helps eliminate them from the body[14], promoting healthy detoxification and better cellular health. Together, humic and fulvic acids create a powerful synergy that supports your health in ways most other supplements can’t.

 

Introducing LeafSource® Shilajit – A Better Option

LeafSource® is a company who pioneered shilajit excavation over 20 years ago and was the first to introduce this remarkable nutrient complex to the health industry. This rare shilajit is derived from a privately owned reserve in the southeastern part of North America. Here’s are three reasons why you should choose LeafSource® Shilajit over others:

1. Purity & Consistency: LeafSource® Shilajit is 100% water-extracted, meaning no chemicals are involved in the process. It’s also obtained from a single privately-owned source, proven for over 20 years, so you can always count on its amazing benefits.

2. 3^rd Party Tested: Every single batch is 3^rd party tested and verified to be free from heavy-metals, microbials and contaminants, which can often be a concern with supplements sourced from other regions like India or China.

3. Nutrient Levels: This ancient rainforest deposit contains a richer, more varied profile of 77 organically bound trace minerals, 9 vitamins, 17 amino acids, and bioactive compounds, including 70% fulvic acid, 30% humic acid and Dibenzo-α-pyrones (DBPs), rare antioxidants that help protect your cells from oxidative stress and support energy levels and overall vitality.

Trusting the Source

As with any supplement, the source matters. Many companies will promote their products as the best, but it’s important to dig deeper and see what’s really behind their claims. When looking at the shilajit market, you’ll notice that some brands are quick to say their version is superior, but these statements are often tied to marketing rather than validated proof.

North American shilajit stands out because it’s been rigorously tested for purity and efficacy. The conditions in which it forms, the extraction process, and the testing protocols ensure that you’re getting a product with real benefits, not just a clever sales pitch.

 

Ready to Learn More?

If you’re curious to find out more about this rare form of North American shilajit and how it can support your health, visit Well.ca’s LeafSource Page. You’ll find additional information on the unique benefits of this ancient superfood and how it can help take your health to the next level.

Have you tried shilajit before? What benefits have you noticed? Let’s keep the conversation going—leave a comment below and let’s chat about how shilajit has worked for you!

 

References:

[1] Ramya, B., et al. (2024). Ameliorative effect of withania somnifera and shilajit on brain lesions and behaviour of hypothyroid rats. Indian Journal of Veterinary Pathology, 48(1), 26-34. https://doi.org/10.5958/0973-970x.2024.00005.1

[2] Kangari, P., et al. (2022). Accelerating effect of shilajit on osteogenic property of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ascs). Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research, 17(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13018-022-03305-z

[3] Das, A., et al. (2019). Skin transcriptome of middle-aged women supplemented with natural herbo-mineral shilajit shows induction of microvascular and extracellular matrix mechanisms. Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 38(6), 526-536. https://doi.org/10.1080/07315724.2018.1564088

[4] Ojha, S., et al. (2021). Shilajit an elixir of Ayurveda: A literary review of traditional usage as well as modern findings. International Journal of Applied Research, 7(8), 888-892. doi:10.22271/allresearch.2021.v7.i8e.8883.

[5] Yaqoob, Z., et al. (2023). Characterization and medicinal applications of karakoram shilajit; angiogenesis activity, antibacterial properties and cytotoxicity. Materials Research Express, 10(10), 105403. https://doi.org/10.1088/2053-1591/ad04bd

[6] Sheikh, A. (2023). Comprehensive Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of an Anti-Diabetic Polyherbal Formulation. Turkish Journal of Agriculture – Food Science and Technology, 11(10), 1905-1916. doi:10.24925/turjaf.v11i10.1905-1916.6212.

[7] Mishra, T., et al. (2019). Shilajit (mumie): current status of biochemical, therapeutic and clinical advances. Current Nutrition &Amp; Food Science, 15(2), 104-120. https://doi.org/10.2174/1573401313666170823160217

[8] Carrasco-Gallardo, C., & Rojas, C. (2012). Shilajit: A Natural Phytocomplex with Potential Procognitive Activity. International Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 2012, Article ID 674142. doi:10.1155/2012/674142.

[9] Qiu, J., et al. (2020). Low-dose of organic trace minerals reduced fecal mineral excretion without compromising performance of laying hens. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences, 33(4), 588-596. https://doi.org/10.5713/ajas.19.0270

[10] Stohs, S. J. (2013). Safety and efficacy of shilajit (mumie, moomiyo). Phytotherapy Research, 28(4), 475-479. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5018

[11] Shakibaei, M., Weng, A., & M. A. (2015). The role of fulvic acid in the modulation of mitochondrial function and its potential therapeutic applications. Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(3), 251-258. doi:10.1089/jmf.2014.0030.

[12] Ghosh, S., & Saha, S. (2016). Fulvic acid as a bioactive substance: A review. Journal of Environmental Biology, 37(4), 675-682. doi:10.22438/jeb/37/4/MRN-1133.

[13] Bhat, R., & Bhat, S. (2019). Role of Fulvic Acid in Nutrient Absorption and Bioavailability. International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition*, 70(5), 589-596. doi:10.1080/09637486.2019.1570516.

[14] Zhang, Y., & Chen, Y. (2020). Humic acid and its role in detoxification: A review. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 392, 122254. doi:10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.122254.