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
Carbohydrates and fat – The daily bite of knowledge
Good or bad idea? Click in to find out the answer!
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.
Why cells digest themselves – The daily bite of knowledge
Read that right - your cells can digest themselves! Learn more about it here!
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.
Birch sugar (xylitol), erythritol and co – This is what I think of them
Here is a brief overview on the subject of xylitol, erythritol and other sweeteners.
What is this Bulletproof diet anyway?
The Bulletproof diet is a high-fat diet, based on the Paleo diet.
How are carbohydrates structured?
Sure! Carbohydrates are pasta, rice, potatoes. Everybody knows it! But do you really know what a carbohydrate molecule looks like?
Alzheimer’s is Diabetes Type 3 – The Daily Bite of Knowledge
Alzheimer's is also called type 3 diabetes by researchers. But why? What does this disease, whose most obvious symptom is dementia, have to do with sugar and insulin?
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!