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
Why you should eat broccoli every week
Super food broccoli: the sulforaphane it contains activates your body's own antioxidant systems and helps with losing weight.
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.
What are MCTs? – The daily bite of knowledge
The abbreviation MCT stands for middle chain triglyceride.
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!
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!
Ketogenic diet in glucose transporter deficiency.
Glucose transporter type 1 deficiency syndrome (GLUT1DS) is a very rare, auto-somal dominant inherited, neurometabolic disorder first reported in 1991 by De Vivo et. al. was described as epileptic encephalopathy in the New England Journal of Medicine on the basis of 2 case reports.
Why cells digest themselves – The daily bite of knowledge
Read that right - your cells can digest themselves! Learn more about it here!
All about salmon: a real superfood
Health benefits, tips for buying and tips for cooking: everything you should know about the tasty food fish salmon.
In 10 steps to becoming a food punk
More zest for life, vitality and health! Lose weight and feast at the same time! Supply the brain with energy! All this can be achieved with the right dietary changes.