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 is a refeed suitable for? – The daily bite of knowledge
A refeed is useful for all people who follow a very low-carbohydrate diet (under 30-50 g of carbohydrates per day) for a longer period of time and do this diet for more fitness, well-being and a weight loss.
The best sources of fat – The daily bite of knowledge
Fat is a great source of energy. If you are on a low carbohydrate diet, you should by no means eat low fat. Because especially in a low carb diet, the body needs the energy from high-quality fatty acids. But not all fat is the same.
Who invented the ketogenic diet?
No, the ketogenic diet is not a newfangled phenomenon for losing weight. It is not a crash diet or a passing trend.
Ketogenic diet in glucose transporter deficiency.
Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS) is a very rare, auto-somal dominant inherited, neurometabolic disorder first reported in 1991 by De Vivo et. al. was described as epileptic encephalopathy in the New England Journal of Medicine on the basis of 2 case reports.
Maybe you have heard of the so-called AIP in connection with autoimmune diseases - read here what exactly is behind it!
What is actually xylitol? – The daily bite of knowledge
What can it be used for? Are there advantages? Find out here!
Cheat Day vs. Refeed – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
In a so-called refeed, you specifically eat a higher amount of carbohydrates than usual at a meal. A healthy refeed should not be confused with a cheat day.
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.
The fatty tissue? This is for saving. It stores fat. This is what most people know about adipose tissue.