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
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.
Preventing fatty liver with the right nutrition
The liver is our most important metabolic organ. What is a fatty liver, how does it develop and, most importantly, how can you prevent it?
Anti-inflammatory effect of a ketogenic diet
In several of our articles we talk about the anti-inflammatory effect of the keto diet, here you will learn how it comes to this effect.
Gout means microscopic crystals in the joints and painful inflammation. These 7 nutrition tips bring relief into sight.
No menstruation? This may be the cause
The absence of your menstruation can have many reasons. In this article we explain the most common causes of amenorrhea.
The right nutrition for healthy skin
Which nutrients your skin needs, how nutrition affects acne, atopic dermatitis and skin ageing, and what keeps your largest organ healthy.
Planning healthy eating: how to change your diet effectively
Want to lose weight, boost your performance or simply live in a balanced way? Here is how to plan healthy eating and build it into your day.
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.
Keto dinner, your perfect end to the day
Cooking in the evening as well? Yes. With these tasty recipes for your perfect keto dinner. Have a look and see for yourself.