Far too often, people rant about the “evil cholesterol.” But do you actually know what cholesterol is used for in the body?
Cholesterol as a basis – The daily bite of knowledge
Written by
Marina Lommel
2 minutes reading time
17. July 2023
zuletzt aktualisiert am 6. October 2025 von Kimberly Werner
Cholesterol does not float around uselessly in our bodies, but has crucial functions there:
- Cholesterol is part of cell membranes and contributes to their stability.
- Cholesterol is the starting material for the formation of bile acids. They are important for a functioning fat digestion.
- Cholesterol is the starting material for the formation of vitamin D in the skin.
In addition, cholesterol is a precursor of steroid hormones. These include:
- Cortisol from the adrenal cortex. A hormone that influences carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism, among other things.
- Testosterone, which performs important functions in both women and men. Among other things, it affects growth, sperm formation and has an influence on the psyche in both sexes – for example, on self-confidence and the “love of life”.
- Estrogens and progestins that regulate the female cycle and pregnancy.
Always stay up to date with our Newsletter.
The daily bite of knowledge
This new section is intended to provide a brief look at topics in nutrition science. Today’s bite is meant to show that cholesterol is much more than something that just “is in the food” or “somehow does harm.” We’ll have to talk about the impact of dietary cholesterol on cholesterol levels and all the lipoproteins – HDL, VLDL, IDL, LDL – another time.
Similar posts by Foodpunk
Does keto help with diabetes? Should every diabetic follow a ketogenic diet? Read what to look for in our article.
What is the difference between Paleo, Low Carb and Keto?
Stop the confusion! Here you can read what's behind Paleo, Low Carb and Keto. What are the differences? What the similarities? Which diet is the right one?
Fire up your fat burning with healthy, unprocessed foods that are long-lasting and effective. The low carb and ketogenic diets will help you do that.
What are MCTs? – The daily bite of knowledge
The abbreviation MCT stands for middle chain triglyceride.
Let's be clear. Does our brain need carbohydrates now? Or not?
Anti-inflammatory effect of a ketogenic diet
In several of our articles we talk about the anti-inflammatory effect of the keto diet, here you will learn how it comes to this effect.
What is cortisol? – The daily bite of knowledge
Cortisol is a hormone produced in the adrenal cortex. Because of its effect on the body, it is often referred to as "the stress hormone."
Lauric acid – healthy fatty acid from the coconut
What actually is lauric acid. Is the hype around them justified? Everything about the occurrence and effect of the fatty acid can be found in this overview article.
How are carbohydrates structured?
Sure! Carbohydrates are pasta, rice, potatoes. Everybody knows it! But do you really know what a carbohydrate molecule looks like?