Studies have identified a risk of increased serum cholesterol levels from coffee, although this may depend on the method of brewing. Unfiltered coffee and espresso can raise cholesterol levels, while instant coffee and filter coffee are less likely to affect it. The risk of increased serum cholesterol levels also depends on the amount of coffee a person drinks and their sensitivity to caffeine. This article discusses how certain oils in coffee can affect serum (blood) cholesterol levels, the risks and benefits of drinking coffee, and tips for managing cholesterol levels.
Can coffee raise cholesterol levels?
The results of studies on the association between coffee consumption and higher levels of serum cholesterol are mixed, according to a 2001 research review. A more recent study from 2016 suggests that coffee consumption is linked to lower levels of cholesterol. higher cholesterol, although the effects vary depending on the type of coffee and the gender of the individual. However, according to older research dating back to 1997, it is not the amount of caffeine in coffee that may affect cholesterol levels, but rather the oils naturally present in the coffee bean. These natural oils, also called diterpenes, are cafestol and kahweol. Both of these oils can raise total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, although the amount of diterpenes in coffee varies by brewing method.
For example, if a person makes coffee using paper filters, most of the diterpenes stay in the filter. On the other hand, in unfiltered coffee, a greater part of the diterpenes passes into the coffee. In addition, Scandinavian boiled coffee, Turkish coffee can increase cholesterol levels, according to a 2011 study. Scandinavian coffee and Turkish coffee are not filtered, while coffee made with a press (espresso) goes through a metallic filter that allows more diterpenes to pass through the infusion than paper filters.
Other types of coffee contain varying levels of diterpenes and therefore have different effects on cholesterol levels:
Espresso: This type of coffee contains regarding half the amount of diterpenes found in unfiltered coffee. Since people generally drink small portions of espresso, it will likely have little effect on cholesterol.
Filtered coffee: It probably has little effect on cholesterol. However, research on this type of coffee is inconsistent.
Instant coffee: This type of coffee contains very few diterpenes, so it should not raise cholesterol levels.
Risks associated with coffee consumption
In addition to potentially raising cholesterol levels, coffee may pose other health risks. Caffeine, a naturally occurring psychoactive substance in coffee, can interact with a person’s medications. 400 milligrams of caffeine per day is estimated to be generally safe for health, but caffeine can have a variety of clinically significant interactions with many medications. Some other beverages, such as energy drinks, also contain high levels of caffeine.
Risks related to drug interactions
A 2020 study found that coffee can interact with many medications due to its caffeine content. Also, care should be taken when mixing a caffeinated beverage, such as coffee, with alcohol. This combination can cause a person to drink more alcohol than they realize, and therefore experience more of the harmful effects of alcohol.
The risks of caffeine
The safe amount of caffeine is equivalent to four or five cups of coffee. However, some people are more sensitive to the effects of caffeine and may experience some of the following effects:
insomnia
rapid heart rate
headache
anxiety
tremors
nausea
a feeling of unhappiness
Other sources of caffeine
Other beverages that contain caffeine are tea, sodas, and energy drinks. Tea and sodas generally contain less caffeine than coffee, while some energy drinks can contain two to three times more caffeine than a coffee drink.
The Benefits of Coffee Drinking
Coffee has several possible benefits, including:
reduce the risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease
help protect cells from damage with its high antioxidant content
reduce the risk of death
reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women.
Additionally, caffeine can:
increase energy
help with weight loss
improve mental focus
benefit on mood
improve athletic performance
Although cafestol and kahweol may have a negative effect on cholesterol, they may have some health benefits.