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
Maybe you have heard of the so-called AIP in connection with autoimmune diseases - read here what exactly is behind it!
Alzheimer’s is Diabetes Type 3 – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
Alzheimer's is also called type 3 diabetes by researchers. But why? What does this disease, whose most obvious symptom is dementia, have to do with sugar and insulin?
Your skin eats with you! – The daily bite of knowledge
Have you ever thought about the substances you put on your skin every day? They should not be underestimated, because the skin eats with you.
Can medium-chain fatty acids pass the blood-brain barrier?
People often ask what the difference is between regular MCT oil, Bulletproof XCT and Brain Octane.
If you think you still need to get a loincloth and a drumstick to eat the right Paleo diet, you better check out this article!
Coconut oil vs. MCT oil – The daily bite of knowledge
A comparison of the two fats in a practical overview.
That’s how many vegetables the keto diet really contains!
Often you hear that in a ketogenic diet must be completely abandoned fruits and vegetables. Here is the proof to the contrary.
CCK and Bulimia – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
The hormone cholecystokinin (CCK for short) is involved in creating the feeling of satiety in the brain. It causes a meal to end when sufficient nutrients have been delivered.