For many coffee lovers, the morning doesn’t officially start until they’ve had their first sip. While people often focus on the type of beans or roast, a recent study suggests that the way coffee is brewed plays a crucial role in health. Researchers have found that certain brewing methods can increase cholesterol levels, making filtered coffee the best choice for heart health.
Cafestol and Kahweol Impact Cholesterol Levels and Affect Heart Health Risks
A study from Uppsala University in Sweden highlights the impact of two naturally occurring compounds in coffee: cafestol and kahweol. These substances are found in coffee oils and have been linked to raising LDL cholesterol, which is associated with heart disease. Interestingly, these compounds are present in all coffee, regardless of the bean variety or roast level.
Filtered Coffee Lowers Cholesterol – Why Your Brewing Method Matters for Heart Health
The key to reducing these cholesterol-raising compounds lies in filtration. Coffee brewed with paper filters—such as drip coffee or pour-over—traps most of these substances, preventing them from entering the final cup. In contrast, methods that use metal filters, like the French press, espresso machines, moka pots, and many office coffee makers, allow cafestol and kahweol to pass through, leading to higher cholesterol risks.
Reducing Cholesterol Risk by Switching to Filtered Coffee for Better Heart Health
The study found that some office coffee machines produce coffee with cafestol levels up to 35 times higher than filtered coffee. Even espresso, depending on how it’s brewed, can have significant levels of these compounds. The researchers estimate that switching from high-cafestol coffee to filtered coffee could significantly lower LDL cholesterol, potentially reducing the risk of heart disease by up to 36 percent over a lifetime.
Making a small change in brewing habits can lead to significant health benefits. At home, using a paper filter system is an easy and affordable switch. In the workplace, where metal-filtered machines are common, bringing filtered coffee from home could be a healthier option. For those who enjoy espresso, moderation is key. While coffee has long been debated for its health effects, this study provides a clear takeaway: when it comes to heart health, filtered coffee is the better choice.
