Coffee lovers have been warned that their favourite brew might be affecting their cholesterol levels, with research showing unfiltered coffee methods can raise bad cholesterol due to a compound called cafestol.
This effect isn’t uniform across all coffee drinkers. Individual sensitivity varies, as do other health factors.
However, Dr Michael Chichak, Medical Director at MEDvidi, confirmed the relationship is dose-dependent.
The more unfiltered coffee consumed, the greater the expected increase in LDL cholesterol.
Certain types of coffee may increase cholesterol
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“Research indicates that cafestol does, indeed, increase LDL,” Dr Chichak told GB News.
“Cafestol is one constituent of unfiltered coffee. Its effects are moderated by individual sensitivity and other health aspects, but it is also dose-dependent—the more unfiltered coffee drunk, the greater increase in LDL cholesterol expected.”
Several coffee preparation methods contain cafestol, which can impact cholesterol levels. French press and Turkish coffee are well-known culprits.
Espresso also contains this compound, though typically consumed in smaller quantities.
Scandinavian boiled coffee, popular in Nordic countries, similarly contains cafestol, according to Dr Chichak, who noted that vacuum-brew designs also fail to filter out this cholesterol-raising compound.
The common factor among these methods is the absence of paper filtration, allowing coffee oils containing cafestol to remain in the final cup.
The good news for coffee enthusiasts is that there’s a simple solution to reduce cafestol intake; using paper filters.
Paper filters effectively remove cafestol from coffee
PA
Filtered coffee methods contain very little cafestol because the cafestol is effectively removed during the brewing process.
By switching to paper-filtered brewing techniques, coffee drinkers can enjoy their favourite beverage with minimal impact on cholesterol levels.
Stricter limitations on unfiltered coffee consumption may still be warranted for individuals with a hereditary risk of high cholesterol, cautioned Dr Chichak.
“For patients with a hereditary risk of increased cholesterol, my first approach would be to advise them to limit or restrict the use of unfiltered coffee to a rare occasion,” he noted.
