Meet IFBB pro, Linda Stephens. Linda is the double whammy when it comes to hiring a certified trainer and nutritionist. She’s been a NASM certified trainer for 10 years and earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Nutrition four years ago. In fact, she’s a triple whammy! She’s also an IFBB professional Figure and Women’s Physique competitor. She’s been a BevNut for 15 years straight!! Linda works fulltime, has 2 teenage kids, and still finds time to meal prep, train and enjoy the simple things in life!! We are glad to have her on our team! She thinks ZMA 2000 is one of Beverly’s most under-utilized supplements. Here’s what she tells her clients about it.
“The benefits of ZMA are endless for both men and women. ZMA not only offers improved sleep and aids in muscle recovery; it’s also important for immune support, protection from oxidative stress and free radical damage, it reduces inflammation, it’s involved in hormone regulation and it supports cognitive function. You could almost coin it a ‘wonder supplement’.”
I asked Linda if she would go into more depth…
WHAT IS ZMA 2000?
Beverly’s ZMA 2000 is made up of zinc monomethionine aspartate, magnesium and vitamin B6. The Beverly formula binds methionine, the body’s most readily absorbable amino acid with zinc and magnesium in order for it to be more bioavailable. The vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) component also aids in magnesium uptake along with making the hormones serotonin and norepinephrine. Both of these hormones affect mood and melatonin levels, which regulate your body’s internal clock. B6 and magnesium complement each other in order to provide a better mood and restful slumber.
Zinc is an antioxidant, which helps with cell regeneration (which takes place during sleep when the body releases growth hormone) and immune support. Research has shown that taking antioxidants at night is best for the Immune system. This is when the body heals itself and becomes stronger. Zinc also aids in reducing the length of the common cold and it helps with reducing inflammation within the body.
Another benefit of supplementing with zinc is that it supports healthy testosterone levels. If your dietary zinc is low it will directly affect your testosterone levels. This is true for BOTH men and women. Healthy testosterone levels are important for fighting fatigue and building and maintaining muscle in both males and females. The leaner muscle you have the more efficient you will be at burning calories even at rest. Ladies, don’t fear this benefit of zinc. You need not worry that this benefit will make you big and bulky. As women, we do make testosterone naturally just not as much as men do. If a woman has had her ovaries removed, or is going through menopause, testosterone levels can drop by a 1/3 or more. Women need testosterone for bone health, a positive mindset, a healthy liver and cognitive function.
Magnesium is a calming mineral. Magnesium helps calm the body in times of stress. This can be stress from a hard workout, stress from your job or relationships or any type of stress that can leave you feeling fatigued. This component of ZMA 2000 aids in relaxation and restful sleep. Magnesium can also help calm muscle cramps and spasms.
Who do I recommend ZMA 2000 to?
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or an avid gym goer (free weights, classes or yoga) or active in other ways, ZMA 2000 is for everyone. It will allow you to rest well and regenerate in order to function at optimal levels. But, be aware that zinc can be deficient in those who sweat a lot during exercise or those that are vegans/ vegetarians. Zinc is involved in so many enzymatic reactions that being deficient could cause health issues.
What’s the best way to incorporate ZMA 2000 into my day?
ZMA 2000 should be taken on an empty stomach about an hour before bed. This will give your body ample time to absorb the ingredients and lull you into a restful slumber. Do not take ZMA with dairy products as dairy blocks the absorption of zinc and magnesium.
Feel free to reach me should you have any training or nutritional questions at:
lindastephensifbbpro@gmail.com, www.figurefitnesstraining.com
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