What are Steroid Hormones?
Do you want to know what steroid hormones are? Derived from soluble lipid molecules, the steroid hormone is mainly a chemical messenger in the body. It dominates the sexual traits in men and women. Further, it plays a crucial role in boosting sperm production and helps in building lean muscle mass. Here is everything you should know about steroid hormones.
Preface to Steroid Hormones
Hormones are molecules produced and secreted in the body by the endocrine glands. They release blood into the body and traverse to other parts of the body. And they do that to trigger specific responses from specific cells. Steroid hormones are derivatives of cholesterol and lipid soluble molecules. They pass through the cell membrane to the target cell first. The phospholipid bilayer stops mixing up of fat-insoluble into the cell membrane. That, in turn, makes the hormones fat-soluble. It binds to the receptor found in the cytoplasm of the target cell. After that, it travels into the nucleus to further bind to the receptor chromatin.
Rounding up the entire process, it deals with the steroid hormone receptor. And it reacts to the complex call for the production of messenger RNA (mRNA) molecules. Hence, these processes together decode the creation of proteins.
Types of Steroid Hormones
Class of hormones occurs by their chemical form. The steroid hormones are mainly sex hormones. And their production takes place in the adrenal glands. These hormones play a vital role in adjusting water balance. Further, they regulate sexual development and stress response. They are mainly grouped into two classes. These are the corticosteroids and sex steroids.
The production of corticosteroids occurs in the adrenal cortex of the vertebrae. The division of it groups it into two divisions. These are the glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Glucocorticoids are useful clinically as an anti-inflammatory, anti-shock drugs, etc. This steroid occurs naturally in our body. And it takes place in a secreted form in the pituitary gland in response to stress. On the other hand, the mineralocorticoid is an aldosterone. It influences the salt and water balance in the body. Further, it is a synthesis of the adrenal cortex. So the 3 main sex hormones are:
Estrogen
This is a female sex hormone. The body fat in the adrenal gland and ovaries produces estrogen. It retains bone calcium. Further, it maintains high and low-density lipoprotein in the bloodstream. What’s more, it regulates blood sugar level in the body, reboots memory functions and treats breast and prostate cancer.
Progesterone
This is a hormone released in the ovary by corpus luteum. It plays a vital role in the menstrual cycle and during early stages of pregnancy. We will not talk about anymore since this is a blog for men.
Testosterone
This is another naturally occurring steroid hormone. It plays a vital role in sperm production. Also, it regulates fat distribution, red blood cell production, fertility, muscle mass, etc.
Key Benefits of Steroid Hormones
Steroids are vital hormones for human biology. They control some metabolic processes. Steroids trigger the growth of sexual things in men. Also, they promote immune function. The hormones occur both in humans and plants. For example, anabolic steroids are a form of steroid which greatly boosts strength and muscle mass. They are so good that athletes often use anabolic steroids that are synthetic variations of testosterone. Since each steroid hormone has its specific function, this text will show the benefits of each of them separately:
Anabolic Steroids
Anabolic steroids promote cell growth. That, in turn, boosts the growth of muscle tissue. Further, anabolic steroids boost weight gain as they are natural androgens. The corticosteroids are produced in the adrenal cortex. Also, their anti-tumor property is a shield against lymphoma and lymphoid leukemias.
Testosterone
High testosterone levels give you sex drive and healthy red blood cells. Further, it increases protein production and balances the immune system. Being the most crucial sex hormone, it helps bone and muscle growth. Also, it assists sperm production, builds up lean muscle mass, and so on. It can also boost your energy levels and give you overall well-being.
DHEA
DHEA is a steroid precursor. In the case that you are not a doctor or a medical student, I am going to tell what a precursor is. In fact, it is a big word to say something very simple. It only means that DHEA is needed to be able to produce steroids. I am not sure that I like very much all this dry scientific talk. And for that reason, I am not planning to make another post on hormones for some time. That being said, if you would like me to write something about DHEA, just let me know by writing some comments below. Ok, ok, so let’s close this big sidenote now and let’s get back to the DHEA story…
DHEA is another key hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It boosts energy, promotes immunity, memory, heart health and so on. As a cholesterol metabolite, it prevents cancer and relieves stress as well.
Androstenedione
It is another natural steroid hormone, which is a precursor of estrogen. It helps in rapid protein production, strengthens sex drives, and much more. And it is produced by the ovaries, testicles and the adrenal glands. This keeps the red blood cells healthy.
SuperFoods to Feed Steroid Hormones
The food contains a high amount of human steroids. So they are the building blocks of hormonal growth in human health. The steroid hormones carry main chemicals. These are DHT, OHPC, 17-alpha-estradiol, and estriol. The natural steroids in food along with the 17-alpha-estradiol promote the male sexual aspects.
Foods which promote steroid hormones are as follows:
Spinach
Spinach is rich in vitamins, minerals, chlorophyll, and nitrates. This leafy green improves blood flow and relaxes the blood vessels. Further, it contains the sex nutrient folate and is a potent source of magnesium.
Soy
Soy contains high levels of isoflavones genistein, daidzein, glycoside and so on. This bears impact on the sex hormone metabolism. Flaxseed, tofu, soy milk, etc are rich in phytoestrogen.
Oysters
They are a great source of zinc and aid blood flow to sexual organs. Oysters and scallops contain aphrodisiac compounds. And these can raise the testosterone and estrogen levels.
Quinoa
Quinoa contains arginine, zinc, and magnesium. And it actively takes part in the synthesis of endogenous testosterone. Rich in saponins it is a source of plant steroids.
Avocado
The avocado is rich in MUFAs. This fat lowers the blood cholesterol levels. Further, the plant sterols in this fruit contain estrogen and progesterone.
Wild oats
Wild oats are full of saponins. It boosts the luteinizing hormone and testosterone. The high levels of avenocosides in it release the testosterone bound to proteins.
Egg yolks
Raw eggs arouse the libido. High in vitamins B6 and 5 it regulates the hormone level and fights stress. What’s more, it fights erectile dysfunction as well.
Bananas
Bananas are full of natural bromelain. And that stimulates testosterone production. Further, it contains large amounts of potassium and vitamin B6. And these regulate the heart system.
Fava Beans
Fava beans are rich in protein which is great for athletes. It contains a high amount of fiber, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and so on. The L-Dopa content in it fosters the growth of the hormone dopamine.
Asparagus
The asparagus is rich in Vitamin E, folic acid, magnesium, etc. It is a natural aphrodisiac which boosts sex drive. Further, it contains diuretic properties which clear excess water out of the body. What’s more, it has both steroidal saponins and steroid ecdysteroids.
Potatoes
Carbs are vital for boosting testosterone in your body. Potatoes (all kinds) are a great gluten-free source of testosterone boosting carbs and very dense in nutrients as well. So have a stockpile of them and make them your main carb source.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts are full of selenium. Only 100 grams of it contains around 2 grams of selenium which is around 2800% of the daily need. Selenium is directly linked to raised testosterone production (study, study). So taking just a couple of Brazil nuts each day will be enough to please you selenium and T needs.
As a man, you should mostly eat often foods that increase testosterone. And make sure to avoid those who promote estrogen.
Grow the hormones
Steroid hormones play a major role in sexual as well as non-sexual tissues in the body. Hormones like testosterone support the libido, bone density, memory, energy levels in men and so on. As a result, they ensure overall well being. Also, DHEA and Pregnenolone are vital sex hormones. They keep anxiety and mood swings in check.
Therefore, hormones affect the mental, physical and emotional health. Finally, a healthy hormone balance is a vital aspect of bone health.
Is this post helping you learn what steroid hormones are? Do you see how vital they are to your overall health? If so, make sure that you grow the hormones by taking the superfoods and exercising regularly. Also, if you know something else about steroid hormones that we have not mentioned. Then feel free to share in the comments part below. And don’t forget to share this post with your friends on the social networks.
Creator of the Juicing For Your Manhood programs and the #1 men’s health blog Olivier Health tips main editor. He has developed a new passion for juicing and has done a lot of experiments with foods possessing healing properties. His mission is to teach men to reinvigorate their lives using the power of juicing.
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