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
Why cells digest themselves – The daily bite of knowledge
Read that right - your cells can digest themselves! Learn more about it here!
Omega 3 fatty acids for a fit immune system
You have certainly heard of omega 3 fatty acids and their many useful properties. Did you know your immune system can benefit from these healthy fats too?
Sucralose (E955): safe sweetener or risky sugar alternative?
The latest research suggests the sweetener sucralose could harm our health. But what is really behind the headlines? We take a closer look.
Bryan Johnson: the secret of his longevity Blueprint and the diet behind it
Bryan Johnson's Blueprint versus Foodpunk: extreme biohacking or longevity that works in everyday life? Here is what his protocol involves.
Nutrition plan for building muscle: what to eat for muscle growth
You want to build muscle and lose fat at the same time? Learn which macronutrients matter and how to plan your meals for muscle growth.
Why you should eat broccoli every week
Super food broccoli: the sulforaphane it contains activates your body's own antioxidant systems and helps with losing weight.
That ketone bodies are supposed to be good, we have somehow heard before. Also that they occur when you eat very few carbohydrates. But where in the body are these ketone bodies produced exactly? And how does that work?
Parkinson’s and a ketogenic diet
A ketogenic diet is neuroprotective. Could it one day be used as a therapy for Parkinson's? Here is what the research shows so far.
Keto flour: the top 5 flour alternatives without carbohydrates
If you follow a low carbohydrate diet you can still enjoy your favourite dishes. There is a wide choice of flour alternatives suitable for low carb and keto.