Natural Steroids: 20 Anabolic Foods for Muscle & Strength Gains

Nowadays many men and women are searching for natural steroids. Mainly thanks to the much-publicised side effects associated with synthetic steroid use.

While not as effective as synthetic steroids. These natural steroids offer a way to boost the production of testosterone and other hormones, resulting in muscle and strength gains.

Please read on to discover what foods you should eat to optimise your own muscle growth and hormone levels. But, first, we will talk about what steroids are and why they are probably best avoided.[toc]

What are Steroids?

Originally created in the 1930s to treat hypogonadism, steroids were developed to help boost testosterone to promote growth, development and sexual function.

It didn’t take scientists long to discover that steroids offered various other benefits too, including performance enhancing abilities.

Steroid use will cause both anabolic and androgenic changes to your body, with the anabolic changes causing an increase in muscle growth. Androgenic changes will affect your sexual characteristics.

Most steroids are more anabolic than androgenic, but this will depend on the steroid chosen.

Steroids are often injected, but they are also available as tablets too for oral consumption.

Once used they will travel through your bloodstream before coming into contact with a steroid receptor molecule. This is found in your muscle cells. When this occurs the interaction will cause an increase in protein synthesis, resulting in an increase in muscle mass.

Potential Benefits of Steroid Use

Steroid use has been proven to offer numerous benefits [1]. These include:

• An increase in lean muscle mass
• Strength increase
• Improved stamina
• A reduction in recovery times
• Less body fat
• An increase in bone density

Research has also shown that the benefits gained are not short terms benefits either. It has been shown that those who have used steroids in the past had a competitive advantage over those who had never used steroids before.

Side Effects Associated with Steroid Abuse

Using steroids has been linked to various side effects [2]:

• High blood pressure
• An increased risk of heart and liver disease
• Increased risk of injury
• Infertility
• Aggression or “roid rage”
• Acne
• Unusual hair growth
• Hair loss
• Gynecomastia or “man boobs”

Female steroid users may encounter virilization too, which is when the steroid used causes them to acquire male characteristics.

While many of these side effects can be temporary, many of these issues may lead to long-term or permanent problems.

Natural Steroids in Foods

With so many side effects associated with steroid use, there is little wonder that many are looking for natural steroids.

The following is a list of anabolic foods that can offer numerous muscle and strength building benefits to you:

#1: Quinoa

Quinoa is a good source of saponin, which is a plant steroid that can mimic the behaviour of human hormones.

Steroidal saponins have been shown to boost testosterone, improve sexual health and cognition.

#2: Wild Oats

Wild Oats is another good source of saponin. Saponins can boost testosterone by stimulating luteinising hormones.

#3: Eggs

There are numerous reasons for eating eggs. Not only are they a good source of protein and are cheap to buy, but they also contain cholesterol that can increase testosterone levels and therefore the rate of protein synthesis.

#4: Celery

Celery contains nitrates that help to widen blood vessels, which in turn allows oxygen to flow better through your blood.

This improved blood flow will enhance sports performance.

#5: Fava Beans

Fava beans are a good source of both protein and fibre. They also contain an amino acid called l-dopa, which is a precursor to dopamine.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that can help boost growth hormone and testosterone production.

#6: Nuts

Nuts like almonds and Brazil nuts can help to boost your testosterone levels.

Almonds contain magnesium, potassium and vitamin E, while Brazil nuts are a good source of l-arginine, cholesterol, selenium and other antioxidants.

#7: Olive Oil

Olive oil is one of the healthiest oils around, it has been found to contain cholesterol that can help produce higher testosterone levels.

#8: Onions

Onions contain various flavonoids and antioxidants that can have a positive impact on your hormone levels.

#9: Pine Pollen

Most of the foods on this list contain components that speed up testosterone production. Pine pollen is different as it actually contains male testosterone in its composition.

Pine pollen is also a good source of various other vitamins, amino acids, minerals, essential fatty acids and enzymes.

#10: Spinach

Spinach contains the plant steroid ecdysteroid, which is similar in structure to testosterone.

It is also a good source of magnesium, which can help boost testosterone levels.

Finally, spinach contains nitrates that are converted into nitric oxide that can help improve blood flow.

#11: Figs

Figs contain zinc and various amino acids that have been shown to promote testosterone production.

#12: Asparagus

Asparagus contains various plant steroids, as well as vitamin E that has been shown to increase testosterone levels.

It has also been shown to enhance sex drive thanks to the folic acid and potassium that it contains.

#13: Truffles

This is certainly not a cheap option. But it has been shown that truffles contain small amounts of both testosterone and androstenol.

There are even studies [3] that have shown that truffle extract could cause an increase in testosterone production.

#14: Avocado

A rich source of various vitamins, potassium, folic acid and cholesterol that can help boost testosterone. Avocados can also lower LDL (bad) cholesterol.

#15: Bananas

Bananas can boost testosterone production due to it containing potassium, vitamin B6 and bromelain.

#16: Oysters

Zinc is a natural testosterone booster, which is why oysters are on this list of natural steroids.

Oysters are one of the richest sources of zinc available.

#17: Grass-Fed Beef

This is full of carnitine, shown to boost testosterone.

#18: Herring

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone essential for manufacturing testosterone. Herring is a good source of this vitamin.

#19: Rocket

Rocket is another great source of nitrates, shown to enhance sports performance by widening blood vessels.

#20: Smoked Fish

Fish contains testosterone boosting fats, and as smoked fish does not need cooking more of these fats are left intact.

In Conclusion

There are certain foods we can call natural steroids, that contain androgens and other nutrients beneficial for muscle and strength.

What we must state is that while beneficial, these foods are not likely to offer the same gains as using an injectable steroid.

However, this may not be a bad thing. We have discussed the potential side effects of anabolic steroids. And personally speaking despite their proven benefits the risk associated with their use is too high.

Personally, I would rather look for an alternative. For example, one of the legal steroid alternatives sold online by Crazy Bulk.

One of their most popular products is D-Bal, a safe, natural and legal alternative to the banned anabolic steroid Dianabol.

D-Bal contains proven ingredients that offer numerous benefits, include various BCAAs, Whey Protein Concentrate and Tribulus Terrestris.

This unique formula will help boost nitrogen retention, which in turn will increase protein synthesis.

Benefits on offer include:

• Increased muscle and strength gains
• Nitrogen retention boost
• An increase in protein synthesis
• Better blood flow and oxygen retention

D-Bal is completely safe to use, with only the highest quality ingredients and manufacturing standards used.