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
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.
Eggs make happy! – The daily bite of knowledge
Normally, you always hear about high cholesterol in the media, usually in connection with the risk of coronary heart disease (*). However, hardly anyone talks about cholesterol levels being too low.
I'm sure you've heard about the importance of omega-3 fatty acids, perhaps pay attention to eating fatty sea fish or even take fish oil capsules. But why exactly are omega-3 fatty acids relevant for the body?
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.
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.
What are MCTs? – The daily bite of knowledge
The abbreviation MCT stands for middle chain triglyceride.
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.
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.
That’s how many vegetables the keto diet really contains!
Often you hear that in a ketogenic diet must be completely abandoned fruits and vegetables. Here is the proof to the contrary.