Natural Steroids: What They Are, Foods, Plants and What Your Body Makes

By SDI Labs®

"Natural steroids" gets searched a lot, and it means different things to different people. Here's what the term actually covers.

What are natural steroids?

In chemistry, a steroid is any molecule built on a specific four-ring structure. Many occur naturally. Your body makes its own steroid hormones, and plants make related compounds called sterols.

Does your body produce natural steroids?

Yes. Your body makes steroid hormones from cholesterol, including testosterone, estrogen and cortisol. These are part of normal body function. Prescription anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs and are controlled substances under federal law (21 U.S.C. § 812) [S1].

Are steroids natural or synthetic?

Both exist. Hormones your body makes are natural; anabolic steroid drugs are lab-made. Our article Are Steroids Legal in the US? explains the legal difference.

What foods have natural steroids?

Foods don't contain anabolic steroids. Eggs and other animal foods contain cholesterol, the raw material your body uses for its own hormones. Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils and whole grains contain plant sterols. A balanced diet with enough protein and healthy fats supports normal training.* See five foods for training nutrition and why protein matters.

What plants have natural steroids?

Plants make phytosterols, and some, such as spinach and quinoa, contain ecdysteroids [S2]. These are different compounds from anabolic steroids.

Where legal supplements fit

SDI Labs® products are sold as dietary supplements, not prescription drugs or controlled substances. They are designed to support training goals alongside diet and exercise.* Browse legal steroids for sale, compare options in our buyer's guide, or read Legal Steroid Alternatives: Do They Really Work?.

Sources

1. [S1] 21 U.S.C. § 812 (schedules): https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/21/812
2. [S2] PubMed 38400693, Arch Pharm 2024, ecdysterone after quinoa and spinach consumption: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38400693/

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.