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
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.
Why cells digest themselves – The daily bite of knowledge
Read that right - your cells can digest themselves! Learn more about it here!
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!
Carbohydrates and fat – The daily bite of knowledge
Good or bad idea? Click in to find out the answer!
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.
That ketone bodies are supposed to be good, we have somehow heard before. Also that they occur when you eat very few carbohydrates. But where in the body are these ketone bodies produced exactly? And how does that work?
All about intermittent fasting
For whom is it suitable? For whom not? What is there to consider? In this article we clarify!
Why don’t I lose weight despite low carb?
In this article we give the answers!
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.