Cholesterol can both be produced by the body itself and obtained from food sources. Cholesterol plays an important part in the human body. Its functions are as follows:

• Hormone production. Cholesterol plays a part in producing hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, aldosterone and cortisone.
• Vitamin D production. Vitamin D is produced when the sun’s ultraviolet rays reach the human skin surface.
• Bile production. Cholesterol produces bile acids which aid in digestion and vitamin absorption.
• Cell membrane support. Cholesterol plays a very important part in both the creation and maintenance of human cell membrane.