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 more fitness in winter
5 tips to help you avoid winter fatigue and feel really fit in the darker months of the year.
In the low carb diet, you eat no more than about 100g of carbohydrates a day. Find out which foods should and shouldn't be included here!
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?
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.
What happens in the metabolism without carbohydrates?
When the metabolism does not receive carbohydrates, it behaves similarly to fasting. What happens during this "food abstinence" as the nutritionist calls it, you will learn in this article.
What actually is Jerusalem artichoke? – The daily bite of knowledge
Topinam...what?? While the average German has never heard of this plant with the strange name, Jerusalem artichoke is now widely used in low carb circles.
Do you know why sleep is also important for losing weight and too little sleep is bad for you? Here we explain it to you!
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?
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.