Legal Steroid Safety: Should You Take Them?
For the last decade, there has been a lot of hype about legal steroids, they have been sought after by bodybuilders and fitness models to help transform their physique.
The question is, why would anyone want to take them?
Most people who work out frequently will reach a plateau which could either be from not seeing strength gains or a physical change in their physique. When this happens they will often seek ways to bust through the plateau. One way to do this is by taking steroids or sports supplements.
Legal steroids have become increasingly popular because they claim to offer similar benefits of anabolic steroids, some of the people who buy them end up disillusioned with the results.
| Legal steroids are sports supplements that usually contain a combination of natural ingredients to help improve physical performance and increase muscle. |
Difference between legal and illegal steroids
Illegal steroids are chemical substances used to help increase muscle and performance. They are derivatives of the male sex hormone testosterone, this is responsible for maintaining facial hair, sex drive, deep voice, and muscle growth.
Anabolic steroids were originally created to treat certain health conditions that include muscle wasting diseases, stunted growth in children and osteoporosis.
Over time anabolic steroids were shown to offer athletes and bodybuilders a competitive advantage by helping improve athletic performance and to quickly gain muscle.
Anabolic steroids are illegal in many countries and because of this men and women seek (so-called) safer alternatives.
Legal steroids claim to offer similar benefits of anabolic steroids, some of the ingredients in legal steroids are backed by clinical studies and proof of them being effective while others are not.
Ingredients in legal steroids
Many legal steroids are sold online, I have noticed that some companies don’t even post their ingredients, this is should be the first sign to avoid a particular brand. How are you supposed to know if a product is safe or not without knowing what’s in it?
Common ingredients in legal steroids include:
Suma Root also nicknamed the Russian Secret has been found to have a positive effect on increasing testosterone. Why is it called the Russian secret? Because in 1976 Russian scientist V.N Syrov extracted a compound from the suma root plant and found that it had more of an anabolic effect in-vitro than the anabolic steroid Dianabol and methandrostenolone.
Tribulus Terrestris is one of the most common herbs found in many bodybuilding and male enhancement supplements. There are many unsupported claims that say Tribulus Terrestris works. My personal experience has been a positive one but some men and women claim no benefit from using this herb.
Ashwagandha root is classified as an adaptogen this means it can help your body manage stress. It is also known to help lower blood sugar levels, boost cognitive function and lower cortisol levels.
MSM Methylsulphonylmethane DMSO2 is a naturally occurring form of organic sulfur that is found in most living things. MSM can help increase protein synthesis and which can help improve muscle recovery times and reduce inflammation.
Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR) as the name implies it is an acetylated version of L-Carnitine that transports lipids and fatty acids encouraging fat breakdown. This ingredient is found in many bodybuilding supplements to help eliminate body fat.
Wild Yam Root is found in Africa and Mexico, it is often sold in roadside stands as tasty food. It is commonly found in bodybuilding supplements and estrogen creams, the purpose of to increase hormone levels.
In 1936, Japanese researchers found that Mexican Wild Yam contained glycoside saponins. Wild Yam is used to reduce inflammation, increase stamina and regulate hormone levels. Many steroid drugs extract diosgenin to make oral contraceptives, androgens, and estrogens.
DMAE (Dimethylaminoethanol)is a precursor of Acetylcholine a neurotransmitter responsible for the feelings of well being and relaxation. It is also a powerful antioxidant.
DHEA 1Dehydroepiandrosterone is an adrenal steroid hormone that circulates throughout the bloodstream what we know is that is a precursor to other steroid hormones. these saponins could be converted into progesterone and saponins.
Creatine is a common found in most sports supplements and legal steroids, its found in foods such as fish and meat and is sold, higher quantities can contribute to increasing strength and increasing muscle volume.
The above ingredients are just samples of what you will find in some of the more popular legal steroid brands.
How legal steroids work
The primary basis on which legal steroids work is because many of them have plant estrogens that can help increase hormone levels. For men, this is a good thing because the more testosterone men produce the more muscle you can gain.
Besides increasing hormone levels legal steroids contain nutrients that you may otherwise not be getting with a normal diet. Many times we lack eating enough protein-rich foods which we need to gain muscle.
Other benefits of legal steroids include:
- Improve nutrient absorption
- Increase energy and stamina
- Boost nitrogen and red cell production
- Reduce fatigue and improve athletic performance
- Burn body fat
- Reduce muscle recovery time
Can legal steroids deliver results?
The answer everyone wants to hear is yes, they do offer results. The problem is that most people expect supplements to work with little or effort. The truth is, in order to get the most benefit from a legal steroid you need to start with a proper diet and exercise plan.
Without putting forth some effort you will probably not see good results. However, if you already have a good diet and workout plan and struggle to see results, a legal steroid can help you take your physique to the next level, but before you do you should make sure you are eating foods that will help you gain muscle such as:
- Healthy fats
- Amino acids
- Lean proteins
- Fiber-rich foods
- Foods rich in
Who should consider legal steroids?
Anyone who wants to improve athletic performance, increase muscle or just get rid of extra body fat will benefit from taking legal steroids.
| What we like about legal steroids is that their pre-mixed formulas contain the right amount of ingredients made just for those who love to work out. |
Not sure what nutrients you need to gain muscle?
One of the best things about legal steroids is that many companies offer special stacks made for gaining muscle, gaining strength or burning fat. If you are not sure what you should take legal steroids ensure you are getting the right amount of nutrients without overdoing it.
Why you should avoid anabolic steroids?
There is no doubt that snsbolic steroids do work, unfortunately those quick benefits also come with different kinds of side effects that can effect your health.
Taking anabolic steroids can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, increase bad cholesterol, damage your internal organs (especially the liver) and lower sperm count.
Conclusion
The best way to get into shape is to follow a good workout plan and each nutrient rich foods. You would be surprised how much muscle you can gain with following a few basic principles.
If you feel you need help many gyms have personal trainers that can offer suggestions and help you with your workout routine and nutrition.
Taking anabolic or legal steroids should be a last resort, and before you do you should consider consulting with your doctor first and follow his guidance.
My name is Chris and I am the owner and contributor to beforeaftergurus.com full time fitness consultant and personal trainer.