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
Cholesterin ist wichtig

Far too often, people rant about the “evil cholesterol.” But do you actually know what cholesterol is used for in the body?

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.

This article was written by

Marina Lommel

Marina gründete Foodpunk nach ihrem Abschluss in Ernährungswissenschaften und ist aktuell CEO des Unternehmens. Während ihres Studiums arbeitete sie in verschiedenen Bereichen, darunter in der Wissenschaftsredaktion beim Radio, Redaktion beim TV und Uni-Wissensmagazin sowie im Labor am DZNE in der Parkinsonforschung. Marina ist außerdem Autorin von 5 ernährungswissenschaftlichen Sachbüchern.

Similar posts by Foodpunk

Coffee and half a coconut, next to it a wooden spoon with coconut oil
8 minutes reading time

What is this Bulletproof diet anyway?

The Bulletproof diet is a high-fat diet, based on the Paleo diet.

Gehirn
1 minute reading time

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.

Holzbrett mit Granatäpfeln, Limetten, Äpflen, Smoothies / Wooden board with pomegranates, limes, apples, smoothies
2 minutes reading time

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.

sugar on a spoon
1 minute reading time

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!

Butter im Kaffee
11 minutes reading time

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?

Kalorien zählen
3 minutes reading time

Do only calories really count?

Proper nutrition has such an effect on us that I think it's a shame how often the influence of nutrition is left out of disease treatments.

Kase macht suchtig
3 minutes reading time

Why cheese is addictive – The daily bite of knowledge

Many people are ready to change their diet. They are willing to try new ways and give up certain foods. Except one. Very often I hear "Yes, but... not without my cheese!"

A woman wearing winter clothes blows snow off her hands.
3 minutes reading time

5 tips for more fitness in winter

5 tips to help you avoid winter fatigue and feel really fit in the darker months of the year.

13242330 1189234347775685 2140564664 o
2 minutes reading time

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.