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Muscle building is something that is considerably difficult. It’s not all about hitting the gym all day in and day out, but it is also about what you eat. In fact, it is proven time and again that you can never out-train bad nutrition. Diet supplements like Shilajit and Ashwagandha prove to be quite beneficial while bodybuilding.
But there remains a debate, Shilajit vs Ashwagandha for Muscle Building, which one is better. While both of them have their set of benefits, surely one must be better than the other when it comes to bodybuilding.
Here in this article, let us discuss what is good, Shilajit or Ashwagandha.
Shilajit vs Ashwagandha for Muscle Building: What is good?
Shilajit and Ashwagandha are one of the most potent all-natural supplements that you can buy in the market right now. These natural supplements originate from India and have been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years.
While each of them has different functions than the other, somehow, their benefits do collide at one point. While Shilajit is more of an energy-fueling supplement, Ashwagandha has more mental benefits. This clearly indicates both are good sources of nutrients for muscle building.
| Shilajit | Ashwagandha |
| Increases Stamina | Increased Testosterone Production |
| Enhances the absorption of Minerals | Improves Brain Function |
| Reliefs joint pain after a heavy workout session | Enhances VO2 Max Output |
| Shilajit improves ECM (extracellular matrix) gene expression | Helps in Muscle Recovery |
How is Shilajit beneficial for Muscle Building?
This ancient herbomineral is known to the world as a ‘destroyer of weakness’ or ‘conqueror of mountains.’ From the name itself, it is evident how beneficial Shilajit can be for muscle building. A study done by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition stated that 500 mg per day of Natreon’s PrimaVie Shilajit resulted in the retention of muscular strength as compared to the placebo group.
Let’s take a look at some of the benefits Shilajit has for Muscle Building:
Increased Stamina
Shilajit is known for increasing overall stamina. It contains Fulvic acid which helps in boosting oxygen levels and also decreases lactic acid. This results in a better and longer workout. Apart from this, Shilajit is also said to increase Nitric Oxide (NO) levels. The main function of NO is the widening of blood vessels which helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles.
Likewise, it also increases iron in the blood which increases the production of RBCs. The more RBCs in your blood system, the more reduction in muscle soreness and fatigue.
Helps in the Absorption of Minerals
When you are working out, your body should absorb nutrients as quickly as possible. But unfortunately, the average human body takes a lot of time to absorb all the essential nutrients and minerals.
That being said, thanks to Shilajit’s properties you can effectively and efficiently absorb nutrients. In general, you don’t have to wait long before Shilajit shows its effect.
Pain Relief
Shilajit’s anti-oxidant and anti-inflammation properties relieve post-workout joint pain and inflammation. Moreover, if you have bought Shilajit oil you can even use it to massage your joints.
Better Skeleton Flexibility
A couple of studies show regular use of Shilajit improves ECM (extracellular matrix) gene expression. This very gene is used for maintaining, developing, regenerating, and restoring skeletal muscles.
Ashwagandha and Muscle Building
Just like Shilajit, Ashwagandha also has a host of benefits. Here are some of the major benefits of Ashwagandha:
Increase Testosterone Level
Cortisol and Testosterone have an inverse relationship with each other, when one drops the other rises. In today’s world, there are many people who are stressed out over the simplest of things. When your stress level is high, your cortisol level increases and there is a reduction in testosterone level.
Many studies claim Ashwagandha increases testosterone levels in your blood. A study was done on 40-70 years old people with mild fatigue. They were grouped together in two groups, one given Ashwagandha on a regular basis for 8 weeks and the other was placebo. The result showed significant improvement in fatigue, vigor, and psychological and sexual well-being over a period of time.
Improves Brain Function
Ashwagandha’s main objective is to enhance your brain function. It is proven to reduce stress levels and increase stamina. As we know, both stress level and stamina are essential for every athlete.
If you are constantly stressed out then it will visibly impair your testosterone function. When you consume this ancient herb you will see a great result in your mentality. When you are stress-free, you have high testosterone which ultimately results in greater muscle mass, strength, endurance, and performance.
VO2 Max + Muscle Growth
For people who are not in the know, VO2 Max means the maximum amount of oxygen that an individual can use during an intense workout. This particular measurement is generally used to determine the level of cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance.
According to several studies, Ashwagandha improves hemoglobin levels, which is directly responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.
Recovery
After a good workout, a post-workout meal is necessary, however, a better rest is much more essential. All of your strength training means nothing if you are sleeping well. Now your sleep is determined by a couple of things, of which, stress level is the most essential.
Ashwagandha, as we all know, is incredible when it comes to its benefits for mental issues. Several research has proven time and again that Ashwagandha helps calm the brain. When your brain is calm, you will get that sweet goodnight sleep which will help in muscle recovery.Also Read: Does Consuming Shilajit Harm Your Liver?
The Final Verdict: Shilajit vs Ashwagandha, Which Is Better?
If you incorporate Shilajit and Ashwagandha in your daily diet then for sure, you will see visible results. Shilajit will increase your overall energy, improve your cardiovascular strength, and also testosterone, which drastically helps in muscle bodybuilding and body recovery. Similarly, Ashwagandha has also been shown to improve muscle strength and endurance. In addition, it also improves cortisol-mediated effects apart from enhancing other measures of muscle building as well.
Both of these ancient it is advisable that you take both of these all-natural supplements. The two of them will provide you with everything you need for muscle building.
FAQ
Both of them are good for your overall well-being. While Shilajit helps in promoting healthy testosterone levels, better resistance to infection, and a healthy immune system, Ashwagandha deals with improving brain function, and fertility, and also helping with mental issues like stress or anxiety.
Yes, you can take them together, in fact, it is recommended to take them simultaneously to see faster results. The only caveat would be to look for only the purest of Shilajit and Ashwagandha.
No, they are both different supplements. Shilajit is a black tar-like substance found only in the high-altitude mountains. Meanwhile, Ashwagandha aka Withania Somnifera is a shrub that is primarily found in India, the Middle East, and other parts of Africa.
There’s no singular answer here as both of them are incredibly beneficial for the human body.
