How does coffee affect cholesterol levels?

Coffee is beneficial for overall health, but for people with high cholesterol, the brewing method, dosage, and added ingredients need to be considered.

Studies on coffee and health show that moderate consumption (4 cups or less per day) is generally good for health. Those who drink more than 4 cups a day are associated with a higher risk of death from heart disease. Research has shown that older adults who drink coffee tend to have higher cholesterol levels, while data for younger people is not yet available.

The brewing method and type of coffee can also affect cholesterol. Brewed coffee contains almost no cholesterol but does contain two natural oils with chemical compounds called cafetol and kahweol, which can raise cholesterol levels.

A study published in 2018 tracked the amount of coffee consumed per week by people aged 18 to 24. When compared to their cholesterol levels, researchers found that the more espresso participants drank, the higher their cholesterol levels. Espresso is machine-brewed coffee and, as a result, contains cafetol and kahweol, oils that increase cholesterol.

Based on the research findings, experts recommend that people who want to reduce or prevent high cholesterol should use a filter for their coffee maker to reduce the amount of oil.

Home-brewed coffee, after passing through a filter, can reduce the amount of cafetol and kahweol, oils that may increase cholesterol levels. (Image: Freepik)

Several other studies have also shown that caffeinated coffee is more likely to raise cholesterol than decaf coffee. If you are concerned about your cholesterol levels, consider switching to decaf or half-decaf coffee.

On the other hand, the ingredients added to coffee can also potentially increase cholesterol levels because they contain saturated fats. These fats can be found in:

Milk and cream coffee : Instant milk coffee packets or coffee brewed with added milk contain high levels of saturated fat, which can increase LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) levels. Better options include coffee with non-fat or low-fat milk, or plant-based milk without saturated fat.

Sweetened coffee : Sweetened coffees share many similarities with milk coffee. Besides being high in sugar, they may also contain high levels of saturated fat.

Diet coffee , also known as bulletproof coffee, is a high-calorie coffee designed to replace breakfast. It often includes added butter and coconut oil (also known as MCT oil). Both are high in saturated fat, and there have been reports of significant increases in LDL cholesterol levels in those who regularly consume bulletproof coffee.

If you enjoy coffee but have high cholesterol or a family history of it, drink it in moderation, pay attention to the brewing method, and be aware of the ingredients.

Bao Bao (According to WebMD )

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