Pro and Cons of Steroids in Sports

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to enlighten and explore the use of steroids in sports. The paper aims to highlight pros and also the cons and side-effects of using steroids in sports. Steroids can be defined as any of a subset of biological molecules known as lipids that share a specific, fused four-ring structure comprising three rings of six carbon atoms and one ring of five carbon atoms. Taking steroids in the form of a supplement rather than with food may even be healthier, since supplements do not have the fat, calories or cholesterol found in the foods that naturally contain creatine. In addition, studies indicate that users of steroids may experience a rise in blood levels of the so-called "good" HDL (high density lipoprotein) cholesterol, which protects against heart disease. Different types of steroids have different chemical modifications to this common ring structure. Steroids are found in animals, plants, fungi, and protozoa. In mammals, steroids are components of cell membranes, aid in digestion, and act as hormones to control a wide range of physiological responses.

Pros of Steroids in Sports

There are several advantages of taking steroids during the sports and training. The most significant advantage of taking steroids during the sports that influence and attract the sportsman to involve in unethical activities is the enhancement of stamina and strengths. Steroids can enhance the strength of an individual enormously. Nonetheless, the stamina is one of the core ingredients that guarantee success of a sportsman. Steroids enhance the stamina of a sportsman and take it beyond any limit. There are several sportsmen in the history and in the modern world of sports that are engaged in the in-take of steroids. The reason is not their in-efficiency, it is all about the competitive advantage over their rivals. Some athletes and coaches, as well as the leading manufacturers of steroids, contend that concerns over the products have been exaggerated. They say that both supplements are safe and effective and can even improve people's health.

Patrick Arnold, the chemist who first introduced andro commercially in the U.S., says andro is "as safe as drinking a cup of coffee". Many athletes deny that the supplements pose health risks, noting that both are natural substances that every person produces to maintain proper body function. They add that steroids are found in many foods (Cafri, Berg, Thompson, 283). Eating large amounts of steak ...