Sea moss and shilajit are two mineral-rich herbs that are often compared to each other because of their similar health benefits.
However, there are also some vital differences between these supplements that you should be aware of before choosing one over the other.
In this article, we’ll dig into the differences between sea moss vs. shilajit, as well as their similarities.
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Sea Moss vs. Shilajit: Similarities & Differences Explained
When it comes to comparing sea moss vs. shilajit, there are many similarities.
First off, shilajit and sea moss are both mineral-rich. Shilajit is said to contain 84 different minerals. Sea moss is no slouch in this department either, with a higher calcium count than milk.
Minerals fill a wide variety of functions in the human body, such as providing building materials for bones, influencing muscle and nerve function, and regulating the body’s water balance.
Second, both sea moss and shilajit have antioxidant properties.
In particular, sea moss has been found to significantly reduce free radicals and increase antioxidant capacity. This same study showed that the antioxidant effects can be beneficial against cancer cells due to their cytotoxic effects.
In the same manner, shilajit has been shown to have strong antioxidant effects.
However, when it comes to comparing sea moss vs. shilajit, there is also a variety of differences.
The key difference between these two plants is that the benefits of shilajit seem to be tied to its ability to support hormonal health. It also has adaptogenic benefits, which help to modulate the body’s stress response and promote relaxation.
On the other hand, sea moss is more of a nutritive herb. Its primary function is to provide the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to stay strong and healthy.
Sea Moss Overview: | Shilajit Overview: | |
Primary Benefit: | Sea Moss may promote cardiovascular health | Shilajit shows evidence of supporting hormone health |
Secondary Benefit(s): | Sea Moss contains many nutrients and minerals | Shilajit may benefit cognitive function and brain health |
Part of the Plant Used: | Sea Moss is an edible seaweed | Shilajit is a naturally-occurring resin |
Dosage Range: | 500-1,000mg | 300-500mg |
Form: | Whole, gel, powder, or capsule | Resin, powder or capsule |
Side Effects: | Large doses may cause stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea | Excessive usage may result in nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea |
Recommended Products: | Atlantic Naturals | Check Price | Lost Empire Herbs | Check Price |
Sea Moss vs. Shilajit: Which is right for you?
Finding the best supplement for you largely depends on your personal needs.
If you’re an active man who’s looking to increase testosterone production and support brain health, shilajit may be the best option for you.
On the other hand, if you are looking for a nutrient-dense herb that can help to fill in the key vitamins and minerals that may be missing from your diet, then sea moss might be your best bet.
Can You Take Sea Moss & Shilajit Together?
Yes, you can take sea moss and shilajit together.
These two supplements do not have any known negative interactions when taken together.
To learn more about potential interactions and side effects of shilajit, click here.
In fact, these herbs may be a good combination to provide your body with needed minerals and micronutrients.
If you’re interested in purchasing a Shilajit resin or gummy supplement, it is crucial to buy from a reliable source. We’ve put together a helpful article going over the Best Shilajit Supplements.
Best Sea Moss & Shilajit Supplements:
Recommended Sea Moss | Recommended Shilajit |
---|---|
Atlantic Naturals | Lost Empire Herbs |
•Non-GMO, Vegan, and Organic •Easy-to-Take Capsules •Sustainably Harvested | •Contains Both Fulvic and Humic Acid • Sourced From the Himalayas • Available as a Powder or Resin |
SHOP NOW ⮕ | SHOP NOW ⮕ |
Shilajit Overview:
Shilajit is a resinous material made from decaying plants. It’s typically found oozing out of rocks found high in the Himalayan mountains.
This mysterious resin was discovered by traditional healers, and they subsequently found that it may help with a range of health issues.
According to new studies, shilajit may have beneficial effects on a wide range of health problems.
Additionally, you can click here to learn more about the best time of day to take shilajit.
1. May Help With Hormone Health
Shilajit has been investigated in human clinical trials for male health, particularly for boosting testosterone levels.
A clinical trial showed that aging men who took shilajit had an increase in levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS).
The researchers who conducted the study also discovered that gonadotropic hormone levels were maintained effectively.
Shilajit may additionally have benefits for women’s reproductive health, which you can learn more about here.
2. May Support Brain Health
Shilajit may be beneficial for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, according to researchers. Shilajit is thought to have a molecular makeup that inhibits or delays the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Shilajit has a high content of fulvic acid, an antioxidant. This powerful antioxidant is believed to aid cognitive health by preventing the formation of tau proteins in the brain (one of the causes of brain deterioration).
This was backed by an in vitro study that showed that fulvic acid helps to break down tau proteins.
These nutrient-rich properties of shilajit are also thought to be the mechanism of action behind this herb’s ability to promote healthy hair growth.
3. May Help to Treat Altitude Sickness
Shilajit has been used for centuries to treat altitude sickness.
Acute mountain sickness is a condition that develops when people fail to adapt to increased oxygen pressure at high elevations.
Shilajit has been shown to aid in the treatment of altitude sickness. Shilajit’s high mineral content, as well as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are believed to contribute to its altitude sickness prevention abilities.
You can read more here about how shilajit benefits the human body.
Sea Moss Overview:
Sea moss is a form of algae that grows off the shores of the northeast United States and the United Kingdom. Sea moss is scientifically known as Chondrus crispus.
This sea vegetable is rich in various minerals, including iodine and calcium.
Research shows that there are a handful of potential human health benefits of sea moss.
1. May Support Heart Health
The first benefit to look at with sea moss is improved cardiovascular health, which involves a combination of both direct and indirect mechanisms.
One study found that a polysaccharide-rich extract of Irish sea moss was able to offer significant anticoagulant (blood-thinning) activity, and was more effective than most of the other forms of algae studied. Since blood clots increase the risk for heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases, it’s thought that Irish sea moss may have cardioprotective properties.
Another study found that Chondrus crispus extract inhibited pro-inflammatory signaling pathways that may play a role in many metabolic diseases, such as cardiovascular disease. It didn’t show a direct effect on cardiovascular health, but given the link between inflammation and cardiovascular disease, the researchers concluded this potential benefit.
2. Mineral Content
One of the most mineral-dense plants on the planet is sea moss. In fact, sea moss has twice the mineral content of spinach, according to research.
Reports show that sea moss has a high concentration of essential macro minerals, including potassium, sodium, and calcium.
In fact, one research paper reported that sea moss by weight has a higher calcium content than milk.
3. May Support Gut Health
Sea moss has been found to promote gut health due to its fiber and prebiotic content, according to research.
An animal study showed that rats who ate sea moss had higher amounts of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacterium breve, and lower amounts of pathogenic bacteria, such as Clostridium septicum.
Another study involving laying hens who were fed sea moss had higher levels of beneficial bacteria and lower levels of pathogenic bacteria. They also had better villi health compared to the control groups.
Conclusion:
Both shilajit and sea moss are generally well tolerated and safe to consume. If you are looking to support your body naturally, these supplements are a great option.
Consider testing each supplement for yourself for a few weeks before deciding between them.
You may discover that one is superior to the other, or vice versa! Alternatively, combine them to see if it gives your body an additive effect.