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
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.
If you think you still need to get a loincloth and a drumstick to eat the right Paleo diet, you better check out this article!
Which foods are suitable for the ketogenic diet and which are rather inappropriate, we summarize for you in this article!
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.
Ketosis and ketone bodies. These two terms are happily thrown around in the low carb and keto world. Can be measured somehow. But what is actually behind it?
Maybe you have heard of the so-called AIP in connection with autoimmune diseases - read here what exactly is behind it!
Let's be clear. Does our brain need carbohydrates now? Or not?
Why don’t I lose weight despite low carb?
In this article we give the answers!
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!"