I recently came in contact with several athletes and bodybuilders who swear by a supplement known as ZMA. I had never heard of this next big thing so I thought I would do a little research for my clients and friends.
ZMA - Zinc and Magnesium Aspartate. This supplement is actually one that has been on the shelves for sometime. It's seems to be making a huge comeback this year though.
Also included in ZMA is the vitamin B6, which we know is used for mineral absorption. Okay let's get down to it. What are the benefits of ZMA?
Well it's best known for the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep. Well so does a Calcium Magnesium.....so what's the big deal?
This is all based on internet research, of course I will try it and let you know my findings - or I may use my husband for the test subject. ZMA when taken 30-60 minutes before bed and two hours after your last meal, is SUPPOSED to burst natural testosterone levels a whopping 30%! That's insane! It's a pretty big claim to make I know - so fear not fellow readers I shall of course feed this to my husband and not tell him what he's taking! No worries, he never reads my blogs all the way through anyways!
So the assumption here seems to be that ZMA is a natural sedative that improves the REM cycle of sleep. This is where quality of sleep happens allowing for muscle growth and recovery.
Now if the information I looked up is correct, which the consensus seems to be the sames from several sources. The benefits are limitless. Improved sleep can boost the immune system, reduce anxiety, improve energy and of course muscle repair and growth and for some the best benefit? a boost in growth hormone.
Increasing the levels of testosterone also increases muscle growth and recovery, it aids with sexual health and fertility.
ZMA has made a huge comeback and if all is correct I can see why. This supplement is not only being used by bodybuilders and gym rats but men and women of all walks of life are benefiting from ZMA.
Make sure before taking any hormone altering supplements that you check with your doctor. Another heed of caution....do not mix this supplement with calcium, calcium affects the absorption of Zinc, take your calcium in the morning with all your regular vitamins and supplements that I know your taking faithfully!
Zinc and Magnesium can be obtained through diet as well. Roast Beef, broccoli, pumpkin seeds and even dark chocolate can boost these levels. I personally feel for the real benefits to been seen you need to be deficient in zinc or magnesium to feel the benefits.