Zeal is a nutritional supplement drink produced and sold by Zurvita, a multi-level marketing company based in Texas. Zeal contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, plant extracts, probiotics and protein. It is marketed as a health and wellness product that provides energy, weight management and nutritional support. Some of the key ingredients in Zeal include vitamins B6, B12, D, chromium, green tea extract and whey protein.
Zeal comes in several flavors like original, vegan, burn, transform and more. It can be purchased as a single-serve packet or in bulk containers. The company claims that drinking Zeal daily provides numerous benefits related to health, beauty, weight loss and athletic performance. However, there is limited scientific research on Zeal specifically to back up these claims.
Energy and Focus
One of the main benefits Zurvita claims Zeal provides is increased energy, mental clarity and focus. This is attributed primarily to two of the main ingredients – caffeine and vitamins B6 and B12.
Zeal contains 120mg of caffeine per serving from guarana seed extract. Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase alertness, focus and stamina when consumed in moderation. The caffeine in Zeal may provide a quick energy boost and help you feel less tired.
B vitamins like B6 and B12 play important roles in energy production and brain function. They help convert food into fuel and assist in the formation of neurotransmitters. The B vitamins in Zeal may help maintain healthy energy levels, boost mood and support concentration and productivity.
Some studies suggest B vitamin supplements can enhance cognitive performance. A review in Nutrients found B vitamin supplementation improved speed of processing, attention, memory and executive function in healthy adults. Another study in Human Psychopharmacology saw B vitamin complex supplements improve subjective ratings of calmness and alertness.
By combining caffeine with B vitamins, Zeal may provide both immediate and sustained energy, focus and concentration. The stimulant and cognitive effects make it popular as a pre-workout drink or morning beverage.
Weight Management
Another claimed benefit of Zeal is supporting weight management. Three of the active ingredients that may contribute to this are chromium, green tea leaf extract and whey protein.
Chromium is a mineral that influences carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Some research suggests it may help increase lean muscle mass, reduce body fat and control appetite. A review published in Obesity Reviews concluded chromium supplementation resulted in modest reductions in body weight and fat in overweight and obese populations.
Green tea contains beneficial antioxidants like EGCG that are linked to increased fat oxidation. Regular green tea consumption has been associated with decreased body fat percentage in multiple studies. The green tea extract in Zeal may support metabolism and fat burning.
Whey protein is the main protein source in Zeal. Consuming whey protein induces feelings of fullness and can help you eat fewer calories throughout the day. Research also shows whey protein stimulates muscle protein synthesis and may increase lean muscle mass when combined with exercise. Replacing fat with muscle can increase your resting metabolic rate.
By promoting fat loss, increasing muscle and curbing appetite, the active ingredients in Zeal may make it easier to lose weight when combined with diet, exercise and healthy lifestyle habits.
Antioxidants
Zeal contains an array of plant extracts and antioxidant compounds like vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and green tea extract. Antioxidants help counter oxidative stress caused by free radicals and inflammation in the body.
Oxidative stress contributes to aging and many chronic diseases. Getting antioxidants from foods and supplements may offer protective health benefits.
For example, studies show vitamin C boosts immune function and helps prevent cell damage. Vitamin E may help lower heart disease risk and selenium plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism, DNA production and protection from oxidative damage.
The catechins in green tea, especially EGCG, have strong antioxidant capacities that may protect cells, promote heart health, maintain brain function and lower cancer risk, according to research.
By providing all these antioxidants in one formula, Zeal aims to reduce oxidative stress and support overall health and immunity. However, it’s unclear if the antioxidant content is high enough to provide significant benefits beyond a healthy diet alone. More research specifically on Zeal is needed.
Nutrition
In addition to specific functional ingredients, Zeal contains a blend of over 30 vitamins and minerals that provide nutritional support.
Zeal includes 100% of the recommended daily intake for:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Thiamin
- Riboflavin
- Niacin
- Vitamin B6
- Folate
- Vitamin B12
- Biotin
- Pantothenic Acid
- Calcium
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Selenium
- Copper
- Manganese
- Chromium
- Sodium
- Potassium
It also contains at least 25% of the recommended daily intake for choline, molybdenum and iodine.
This comprehensive vitamin and mineral profile can help fill nutrient gaps and ensure you meet your daily recommended intakes. Nutrient deficiencies can negatively impact energy, immunity, hormones, digestion, skin health and more.
While a healthy diet should provide sufficient nutrition for most people, poor eating habits can result in inadequacies. Zeal delivers optimal levels of key micronutrients to support overall wellness and prevent deficiencies.
Prebiotics and Probiotics
Zeal contains two functional ingredients to support digestive and immune health – prebiotic fiber and probiotic bacteria.
Prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that act as food for probiotics. They help stimulate the growth and activity of healthy bacteria in your gut microbiome. Zeal contains inulin and fructooligosaccharides (FOS), two common prebiotic fibers.
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can offer health benefits when consumed. Zeal includes several strains of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotics.
Here are some of the ways prebiotics and probiotics may improve health:
- Digestion – Help regularity, reduce bloating and gas
- Immunity – Protect against pathogens, infections and inflammation
- Mental health – Improve mood, reduce anxiety and depression
- Heart health – Lower cholesterol and blood pressure
- Weight management – Aid weight loss and fat reduction
The combination of prebiotics and probiotics in Zeal aims to optimize the community of bacteria in your gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is crucial for overall wellbeing.
Hydration
Proper hydration is essential for health. Drinking adequate fluids prevents dehydration, keeps your body temperature regulated and allows bodily functions to operate smoothly.
Zeal can support hydration since it is a liquid-based supplement. The typical serving size provides about one cup (8 oz) of fluid. Consuming 2-3 servings of Zeal per day can contribute to your total daily fluid intake.
Staying well hydrated is particularly important when engaging in physical activity, spending time in hot climates, recovering from illness and for the elderly. Zeal makes it easy to hydrate since it is portable and tastes great.
Some even choose to use Zeal as an electrolyte drink before, during or after exercise to replenish fluids, minerals and electrolytes lost in sweat. The blend of vitamins, minerals and trace elements in Zeal can help restore electrolyte balance.
Ingredients Summary
To summarize, the key ingredients in Zeal that provide health and performance benefits include:
- Caffeine – Increased energy and mental focus
- Vitamins B6 and B12 – Sustained energy, brain function
- Chromium – Metabolism and weight management
- Green tea extract – Antioxidants and fat oxidation
- Whey protein – Muscle building, appetite control
- Vitamins C, E, selenium – Powerful antioxidant protection
- Prebiotics and probiotics – Digestive and immune enhancement
- Fluid content – Hydration
The combination of all these nutrients and active compounds make Zeal an all-in-one supplement beverage that aims to improve health, wellness and performance in various ways.
Benefits for Health Conditions
Beyond general wellness, some ingredients in Zeal may benefit certain health conditions. However, always consult your doctor before using Zeal as a treatment.
For high blood pressure, the minerals calcium, magnesium and potassium in Zeal help regulate blood pressure. The antioxidants may also improve blood vessel flexibility.
For high cholesterol, the plant sterols, chromium and probiotics in Zeal may help lower LDL and total cholesterol levels.
For blood sugar control, chromium enhances insulin sensitivity and vitamin D is linked to improved pancreatic function and insulin secretion. This makes Zeal potentially useful for diabetes management.
The anti-inflammatory ingredients like vitamin C, vitamin E and probiotics may provide relief for inflammatory conditions like arthritis, Crohn’s disease and autoimmune disorders.
The B vitamins support brain function and neurotransmitters, making Zeal possibly helpful for depression, anxiety and cognitive decline.
Always check with your healthcare provider before using Zeal or other supplements to manage health conditions. Do not replace medication with Zeal without medical supervision.
Potential Side Effects and Safety
Zeal is generally well tolerated by most people when used as directed. However, there are some potential side effects to be aware of:
– Caffeine – Jitters, headaches, anxiety, rapid heartbeat, insomnia (120mg per serving)
– Vitamin B6 – Nerve damage in very high doses (100% DV in Zeal)
– Chromium – Blood sugar issues, kidney problems (100% DV in Zeal)
– Vitamin D – Hypercalcemia and renal issues in excessive doses (100% DV in Zeal)
– Green tea extract – Upset stomach, especially in high amounts
– Whey protein – Bloating, gas, diarrhea if intolerant to dairy products
The main safety concerns are:
– Pregnant/nursing women should exercise caution since safe doses have not been established for all nutrients.
– Those taking medication should consult a doctor since Zeal may interact with certain drugs.
– Not recommended for children under 18 unless approved by pediatrician.
– Diabetics and those taking blood thinners should monitor blood sugar and bleeding closely.
Zeal is not meant to treat, cure or prevent any disease or medical condition. It should be used as part of an overall healthy lifestyle. Exceeding recommended serving sizes to achieve greater benefits poses safety concerns.
Cost Analysis
Zeal is sold exclusively through Zurvita’s multi-level marketing channel. The prices are:
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| 1 box (30 servings) | $59 |
| Loyalty Auto-Ship (30 servings per month) | $53 |
| 1 canister (35 servings) | $99 |
| Transformation Pack (4 boxes + shaker) | $189 |
You must sign up as a Zurvita consultant to purchase Zeal. There are several enrollment options:
| Enrollment | Price |
|---|---|
| Basic Consultant | $39 |
| Business Consultant | $499 |
| All-In Consultant | $1000 |
Multi-level marketing products are generally more expensive than equivalent products in stores. While the convenience and community may appeal to some, others may find signing up and monthly purchases inconvenient.
Cheaper alternatives are available. For example, many supermarkets sell store-brand powdered greens and protein shakes for under $20 per 30 servings. You can also buy individual vitamins, minerals, probiotics and protein powders for less than $1 per serving.
So while Zeal provides an all-in-one formula, the monthly cost may not suit all budgets. But consultants earn commissions selling Zeal which helps offset personal purchase costs.
Reviews
Reviews of Zeal’s taste, cost and health effects are generally positive but mixed:
- Taste – Many flavors and sweetness options. Reviews call it delicious and easy to drink daily.
- Cost – Some reviewers found the monthly cost (around $2 per serving) very expensive. Others felt it was reasonable for the benefits.
- Health impact – Some reported better energy, immunity, skin and workouts. Others felt benefits were minimal. Quality control issues were raised.
- Business opportunity – Reviews were polarizing. Some achieved financial success, others made little money.
On Amazon, Zeal has 3.8 out of 5 stars based on about 300 reviews. Positive reviews mention boosted energy, mental clarity and weight loss. Negative critiques focus on the enrollment requirements, cost and minimal effects for some users.
Independent review sites like HighYa rate Zeal highly for ingredients and taste, but question the necessity for most healthy individuals. Reviews indicate results are mixed, pointing to the importance of realistic expectations.
Pros and Cons
Here is a summary of the main pros and cons of drinking Zeal based on its ingredients, cost and reviews:
Pros:
- All-in-one formula with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, probiotics, protein
- May provide energy, focus and nutritional support
- Supports metabolism, fat loss and lean muscle
- Prebiotics and probiotics for improved digestion and immunity
- Great taste and variety of flavors
- Vegan and Kosher options available
- Provides hydration
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons:
- Expensive compared to supermarket alternatives
- Enrollment and monthly purchase required
- Some report little benefits or side effects
- Not a replacement for medication or medical treatment
- Overuse poses safety risks
- Quality control concerns
- Scant clinical evidence for claims
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zeal is a nutritional supplement drink that makes wide-ranging claims about providing energy, health benefits and supporting weight management. It contains a blend of vitamins, minerals, plant extracts, antioxidants, probiotics and protein.
For healthy individuals eating a balanced diet, Zeal may provide an extra nutritional boost but is not essential. It can benefit those with poor diets or nutrient deficiencies. The ingredients may support energy, immunity, digestion, heart health and exercise performance.
But results can vary widely. While some see health improvements, others find the benefits minimal or experience side effects. Claims related to medical conditions require further research. Quality control also remains a concern.
At around $2 per serving, the cost is high compared to supermarket alternatives. Must enroll as consultant and purchase monthly. While tasty and convenient, the necessity for most people is debatable based on reviews.
Those interested should carefully weigh the pros and cons before signing up as a Zurvita consultant to purchase Zeal. Be realistic about the expected benefits and side effects. Overall, speak to a doctor to see if Zeal fits your individual nutritional needs.