Can coffee increase cholesterol ( specifically LDL)?

Posted: August 1, 2023

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

Coffee's Impact on Cholesterol Explained

Coffee contains natural compounds called diterpenes, specifically cafestol and kahweol, which have been shown to affect serum cholesterol levels. These compounds can interfere with the body's cholesterol regulation processes, potentially leading to an increase in both total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

The extent to which these diterpenes influence cholesterol is significant, as they are primarily responsible for the observed effects of coffee consumption on lipid profiles. Understanding their role is key to grasping why certain coffee preparations might be more concerning for individuals managing their cholesterol, according to Pristine Wellness Center.

Brewing Methods and Cholesterol Levels

The method used to brew coffee plays a crucial role in determining how much cafestol and kahweol end up in your cup, and consequently, how it might affect your cholesterol. Unfiltered brewing methods, such as French press and espresso, allow these diterpenes to pass through into the final beverage more readily.

In contrast, filtered coffee methods, like those using paper filters, are more effective at trapping these compounds, resulting in a lower diterpene content. Studies have indicated a stronger association between unfiltered coffee consumption and elevated cholesterol levels, a point emphasized by Pristine Wellness Center.

Diterpenes: Cafestol and Kahweol's Role

Cafestol and kahweol are the primary diterpenes found in coffee beans that are linked to raising cholesterol. These oily compounds are present in the coffee grounds and can be extracted into the brewed coffee, particularly when no filter is used to separate them.

Research suggests that these diterpenes can inhibit cholesterol synthesis in the liver and reduce the excretion of bile acids, leading to higher circulating levels of LDL cholesterol. The concentration of these compounds can vary based on the coffee bean type and roast, but their presence is a consistent factor in coffee's effect on lipids, as noted by Pristine Wellness Center.