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
Why you should give up sugar from now on
Give up sugar? There are many good reasons. Your blood work, weight and mood will thank you!
The fatty tissue? This is for saving. It stores fat. This is what most people know about adipose tissue.
What are proteins actually made of? And do we need them just to look like "The Hulk"? Read here what proteins can do!
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.
5 tips for a bear strong immune system
If you want to give your immune system a real power boost, take these 5 food punk tips to heart.
What is the difference between Paleo, Low Carb and Keto?
Stop the confusion! Here you can read what's behind Paleo, Low Carb and Keto. What are the differences? What the similarities? Which diet is the right one?
You know the saying, "In summer we age and in winter we grow young again!"? There is something to it! We explain to you why cold can have a positive effect on fat burning, the immune system and deep sleep.
What is actually xylitol? – The daily bite of knowledge
What can it be used for? Are there advantages? Find out here!
Alzheimer’s is Diabetes Type 3 – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
Alzheimer's is also called type 3 diabetes by researchers. But why? What does this disease, whose most obvious symptom is dementia, have to do with sugar and insulin?