If you want to lower or prevent cholesterol then stick to filtered coffee.
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Coffee is the world’s favorite beverage with several health benefits. But, drinking more than four cups daily or unfiltered espresso may raise cholesterol and heart disease risk due to chemical compounds present in it. Opting for filtered coffee and avoiding high-fat add-ins like cream or butter is a better way to enjoy the brew.
Coffee is the most popular beverage globally and its health benefits are well recognized. Drinking two-three cups of coffee has been linked to protect brain function and prevent dementia. But is there a link between drinking coffee and cholesterol? More than four cups of coffee have been associated with heart diseases.
Coffee contains two natural oils having chemical compounds - cafestol and kahweol - which can increase cholesterol levels.
While moderate coffee drinking is good for health, drinking more than four cups of coffee have been connected to a greater risk of death from heart disease.
Studies have shown that older coffee drinkers have higher levels of cholesterol. In younger lot too, espresso has been shown to raise cholesterol levels.
Filtered Coffee Vs Espresso
A 2018 study found that people in the age group 18-34 years who consumed espresso-based had high cholesterol.
Espresso is brewed by pouring hot water directly into fine coffee grounds than lowly through a filter like most household coffee makers. This results in higher levels of the two cholesterol-raising compounds in the espresso coffee.
Similar method of brewing coffee without filtration includes boiled coffee, coffee made from French presses, Turkish coffee, and the increasingly popular pour-over method.
In contrast, filters like the kind used your house or in some cafes reduce the amount of cafestol and kahweol in the coffee.
So, if you want to lower or prevent cholesterol then stick to stick to filtered coffee.
What You Add to Your Coffee
While the jury s still out on whether coffee itself can raise your cholesterol levels, experts say that saturated fat increases your cholesterol levels. Saturated fat is found in several things we put in coffee. Find out which you can and which you can avoid.
Cream and Half-n-half
The cream is made with whole-fat milk, which has high levels of saturated fat that increases LDL cholesterol levels.
Replace whole-fact milk with non-fat or low-fat options or plant-based milks with no saturated fats.
Sweet coffee
The coffee houses these days stock up an extensive menu of hot and cold coffee beverages, which include lattes, cappuccinos, frappes, mochaccinos, cold brews, and much more. However, these frothy, sugary coffee concoctions are a big no. Besides having lot of sugar, these may contain ingredients high in saturated fat. It is better to ask about ingredients beforehand.
Bulletproof coffee
The ketogenic diet consumers love the bulletproof coffee. It is made by adding butter and coconut oil, which have high levels of saturated fat. People who regularly drink bulletproof coffee have sharp rises in their LDL cholesterol.
If you are worried about your cholesterol and heart health, opt for a plain cup of coffee rather than calorie- and fat-rich coffee drinks.
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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