Burn Fat Build Muscle

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Author:
Bob Howard

Given the safety and legal concerns with using anabolic steroids, it’s not surprising that bodybuilders and other athletes have turned to the supplement industry looking for alternatives. One of the most important discoveries in the past decade is the action in the human body of various plant compounds called sterols. There are a number of different sterols and one of the most powerful is called stigmasterol. Sterols are essential components of cell membranes and also play a major role in health and functioning of the immune system.

The best sources of sterols are seeds, but modern refinement processes destroy much of the sterols contained in the seeds. For muscle building purposes, sterols’ most important role is serving as a precursor for the anabolic hormones Dehdroepiandrosterone and ultimately, testosterone.

Dehdroepiandrosterone is the most abundant androgenic hormone produced by the adrenal glands and it’s essential to bodybuilders and athletes trying to build muscle because in men, around 50% of all testosterone is derived from it, while women derive over 75% of their estrogen from it (and nearly 100% after menopause). Levels of Dehdroepiandrosterone are high at birth, decline during childhood, peak during the late teens and early 20’s, and then start declining after the age of 30.

Given the relationship between Dehdroepiandrosterone and testosterone, it’s not surprising that products that contain stigmasterol are powerful muscle builders. Users report significant gains in muscle strength and size, while at the same time, vast decreases in body fat.

Besides increasing DHEA and testosterone levels, sterol products can also build muscle by decreasing cortisol production. Cortisol is what’s called a catabolic stress hormone. Unlike anabolic hormones that build muscle, cortisol actually tears down muscle. Cortisol levels are especially high in bodybuilders who overtrain. Excessive exercise is in fact a source of stress, and is just as detrimental to gaining muscle as skipping workouts.

Elevated cortisol levels also depress testosterone production and decrease insulin sensitivity. Reducing testosterone levels will decrease your body’s ability to build new muscle tissue while decreased insulin sensitivity has been linked to increased body fat percentages.

Now do you see why using sterol-containing products is so beneficial for bodybuilders. The key to continued growth is increasing testosterone and decreasing cortisol levels. Stigmasterol is currently one of the effective compounds for achieving this. What’s more, it’s both safe and legal – two characteristics not true about anabolic steroids.

Bob Howard expert on bodybuilding and steroids. Are you looking for more of his stigmasterol articles? http://www.steroids-help.com/stigmasterol.html

© Bob Howard 4/7/2006

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Fat Burning... How To Build Muscle There are as countless different views on what plan one should follow to build muscle as there are people who have those views. You must have a regimen. You can begin by defining your objectives: Why are you interested in building muscle? What do you desire to achieve? What is your eventual goal? You need to clearly be specific about your goals before you proceed on. It’s all about commitment and feeling. There is an abundance of info about how to start and conduct a building muscle program, but without a desire to achieve, you are doomed to certain failure. Before you even think about your exercise method, before you set about researching a nutritional program and also before you shop for supplements, quiz yourself the following questions: Do I believe this is doable for me? Am I willing to focus, accept and do anything it takes? If your reply is yes, you are all set to start. While the details and also sequential recommendations for building muscle differ there are some types of basic questions that apply to the process no matter what program you decide to follow: How do I build muscle? How do I strengthen muscle? Am I fit enough to start a muscle building routine? What should I eat? How frequently should I eat? Should I eat at various intervals all through the day? Is there a exact diet for building muscle? How many calories should I consume? Should I take supplements? These will help prepare you for your new building muscle lifestyle. You must be all set for the rigors of change, not just to your body, but psychologically as well. You should always confirm with your physician before starting any exercise program. Lifting too much weight (mainly for people with high blood pressure) or doing too many...