Coffee raises serum cholesterol because of its diterpenes, cafestol and kahweol, and the effect varies by brewing method.
Consumption of 3-5 cups of espresso daily was significantly associated with increased serum total cholesterol. Consumption of 6 cups of filtered coffee daily was associated with higher serum total cholesterol levels for women but not for men. Instant coffee consumption had a significant linear trend but showed no dose response relationship when excluding participants not drinking instant coffee. There were significant sex differences for all coffee types except boiled/plunger coffee.
Open heart journal : Association between espresso coffee and serum total cholesterol: the Troms A¸ Study 2015-2016