If you are monitoring your cholesterol level, or if you are prone to it, this information should interest you: certain ways of preparing coffee on a daily basis expose you to an increase in bad cholesterol. This is the finding of a very serious study.
A Swedish study which warns about the method of preparation
According to a study published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseasespreparing your coffee in a certain way could thus help to reduce, or on the contrary increase, the risk of developing excess bad cholesterol (LDL).
Led by researchers from Uppsala University, this study highlights the impact of the method of coffee preparation on cardiovascular health. Scientists have confirmed that unfiltered coffee promotes an increase in blood cholesterol, due to the presence of two natural substances: the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol.
These molecules, from coffee beans, are known for their ability to raise LDL. They act in particular on the hepatic metabolism of cholesterol.
A mechanism well known to doctors, but little to consumers
Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of True Medical, emphasizes the precise biological role of these compounds:
“Certain non-filtering coffee machines – such as capsule machines, espressos or French press coffee makers – allow these diterpenes cafestol and kahweol to pass through. These substances inhibit hepatic LDL receptors and reduce its elimination in the bile. Result: a measurable increase in bad cholesterol in regular consumers.”
But what dose are we talking about? According to him, drinking between 3 and 6 cups of unfiltered coffee per day can lead to an increase in LDL of around 0.1 to 0.3 mmol/L, which is not trivial in the long term.
Which coffee machines are most affected?
In the study, researchers analyzed 14 coffee brewing methods to assess their ability to filter out these diterpenes.
The most problematic are also among the most used in homes:
- French press coffee maker;
- Turkish coffee or boiled coffee;
- Espresso machines;
- Capsule machines;
- Certain automatic office machines
“These methods use metallic or non-existent filtering, allowing a significant amount of cafestol and kahweol to pass through,” says our expert.
The most protective:
- Paper filter coffee makers, electric or manual;
- Classic filter coffee;
- Soluble coffee (instant).
“The paper filter eliminates more than 95% of diterpenesthus reducing the impact on cholesterol.
Why you should know more about this effect
Dr Kierzek places particular emphasis on populations at risk:
“This information is essential for people with hypercholesterolemia, an LDL greater than 1.6 g/L or a family history of cardiovascular disease. In these patients, regular consumption of unfiltered coffee may increase the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attack or stroke.”
According to him, drinking five cups of unfiltered coffee a day could have a lipid impact comparable to weekly consumption of around 100 g of butter.
How to reduce the impact of coffee on cholesterol?
Good news for coffee lovers: if the risk exists, it is not necessary to completely stop drinking the beverage to avoid it.
Instead, Dr. Kierzek recommends adapting your habits:
- Favor coffee makers with paper filter;
- Limit unfiltered coffee consumption to 1 to 2 cups per day;
- Alternate with green tea, instant coffee or infusions;
- Monitor your cholesterol level every 6 months in case of cardiovascular risk.
“Coffee remains an interesting drink from a nutritional point of view, rich in antioxidants. But as is often the case in health, everything depends on the dose and method of consumption,” calls back the doctor.