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
The 4 best dietary supplements – The daily bite of knowledge
Which preparations can make sense? Kick yourself in!
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 actually is Jerusalem artichoke? – The daily bite of knowledge
Topinam...what?? While the average German has never heard of this plant with the strange name, Jerusalem artichoke is now widely used in low carb circles.
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.
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!
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?
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.
Does healthy eating have to be expensive?
Many people want to eat healthier, but shy away from it. Healthy eating often looks so much more expensive. That may be true, but it doesn't necessarily have to be.