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
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.
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 are proteins actually made of? And do we need them just to look like "The Hulk"? Read here what proteins can do!
So much fruit you can eat in the keto diet
Here we have created a fruit table in which you can see exactly what amount of fruit contains what amount of carbohydrates.
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.
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?
In 10 steps to becoming a food punk
More zest for life, vitality and health! Lose weight and feast at the same time! Supply the brain with energy! All this can be achieved with the right dietary changes.
Why do we need cholesterol? Is there good and bad cholesterol? How can I influence my cholesterol level?
Eating out – Paleo Restaurants, Low Carb Cafés and much more – in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
Together with our community, we want to create the ultimate list of foodpunk-worthy restaurants in Germany, Austria and Switzerland for you.