How does “coffee” affect “blood cholesterol”? Why should we be careful?
Drinking coffee can affect your blood cholesterol levels, depending largely on how the coffee is brewed. Unfiltered coffee and coffee brewed in a French press can increase your cholesterol levels. While instant and filtered coffee tend to have less of an effect. The risk of your blood cholesterol levels increasing also depends on how much coffee you drink and your individual sensitivity to caffeine.
This article explains how certain oils in coffee affect blood cholesterol levels. The risks and benefits associated with drinking coffee, and tips for managing your cholesterol levels.
Does coffee raise cholesterol levels?
Several factors can affect cholesterol levels. A credible 2023 study of the general population suggested a link between high coffee consumption and higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, the type of cholesterol that health professionals often refer to as “bad cholesterol.” However, the same study suggested no relationship between coffee consumption and heart health.
When it comes to cholesterol levels, it is important to consider the type and method of preparation of coffee, as some methods may filter out the naturally occurring oils in the coffee bean. These oils are known as diterpenes, including cafestol and kahveol. Evidence suggests that these diterpenes are responsible for the increase in LDL cholesterol in humans.
The amount of diterpenes in coffee varies depending on the brewing method. For example, if coffee is brewed using a paper filter, most of the diterpenes will remain in the filter. However, in unfiltered coffee, most of the diterpenes will pass through into the coffee.
Diterpenes can also vary depending on the type of coffee. For example, since people generally drink smaller amounts of espresso, this แทงบอล UFABET ราคาดีที่สุด ไม่มีขั้นต่ำ type of coffee should contain fewer diterpenes than other unfiltered coffees.
How does coffee and cholesterol affect each other?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substance that plays several important roles in the body when it is in the right levels. When your low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels are too high, plaque can build up in your arteries. If enough plaque builds up and blocks blood flow, it can become dangerous, increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream as part of molecules called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins in the blood: LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Some people call HDL “good cholesterol” because it helps remove cholesterol from the body.
Although coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. Diterpenes in coffee inhibit the production of substances in the body that are involved in the breakdown of cholesterol, which can increase cholesterol levels. In particular, diterpenes in coffee can increase total cholesterol and LDL levels.
It is important to note that dietary cholesterol is not strongly linked to LDL levels, but a diet high in saturated and trans fats can increase blood cholesterol. However, research on dietary cholesterol is ongoing.