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
How do ketone bodies become energy?
Ketone bodies are produced in the liver and then enter the blood. They are small and well soluble in water. This allows them to be wonderfully transported throughout the body.
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?
What happens in the metabolism without carbohydrates?
When the metabolism does not receive carbohydrates, it behaves similarly to fasting. What happens during this "food abstinence" as the nutritionist calls it, you will learn in this article.
Why you should give up sugar from now on
Give up sugar? There are many good reasons. Your blood work, weight and mood will thank you!
Ketosis and ketone bodies. These two terms are happily thrown around in the low carb and keto world. Can be measured somehow. But what is actually behind it?
Why don’t I lose weight despite low carb?
In this article we give the answers!
Bulletproof Coffee – what does the butter in the coffee do?
Butter coffee - aka Bulletproof Coffee - is on everyone's lips. What's the hype about? And how do you make Bulletproof Coffee?
Reader Question of the Month – Can children also eat xylitol?
Are children also allowed to eat xylitol? In this post you will learn the answer!
The 4 best dietary supplements – The daily bite of knowledge
Which preparations can make sense? Kick yourself in!