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.
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.
Does healthy eating have to be expensive?
Many people want to eat healthier, but shy away from it. Healthy eating often looks so much more expensive. That may be true, but it doesn't necessarily have to be.
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 right nutrition for healthy skin
Which nutrients your skin needs, how nutrition affects acne, atopic dermatitis and skin ageing, and what keeps your largest organ healthy.
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.
The 10 best Foodpunk seasonal recipes in September
Discover 10 delicious seasonal recipes from your Foodpunk kitchen for September, with squash, plums and red cabbage.
CCK and Bulimia – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
The hormone cholecystokinin (CCK for short) is involved in creating the feeling of satiety in the brain. It causes a meal to end when sufficient nutrients have been delivered.
What are proteins actually made of? And do we need them just to look like "The Hulk"? Read here what proteins can do!