Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUnfiltered Coffee and CholesterolCoffee IngredientsCoffee’s Other EffectsRisksFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Unfiltered Coffee and Cholesterol
Coffee Ingredients
Coffee’s Other Effects
Risks
Frequently Asked Questions
Coffee is a popular beverage that can help boost energy. Research suggests that it may also provide antioxidants and nutrients that are good for your health. But coffee has a downside, potentially causinginsomnia, restlessness, and stomach upset, especially if consumed in excess.Adding to the risks are studies that suggest that coffee may not be good for you if you have high cholesterol.
Coffee is a central part of many people’s daily rituals, and the question is whether the benefits of coffee outweigh the risks? And, if risks do exist, are there ways to reduce them if you’re struggling to control your cholesterol?
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When it comes to the benefits and risks of coffee,howyou prepare a cup can make a big difference.
There are many different varieties of coffees, but they are fundamentally prepared in two ways: filtered and unfiltered. Filtered coffees are the most common method of preparation in the United States and involve brewing the coffee through a filter. Unfiltered coffees, also known as “boiled coffees," do not employ a filter and include espresso, Turkish coffees, and French press coffees.
Generally speaking, unfiltered coffee poses higher potential risks if you have been diagnosed withhyperlipidemia(high blood lipids, including cholesterol).
A 2012 review in theEuropean Journal of Clinical Nutrition,evaluating 12 different studies with over 1,000 participants, concluded that regular consumption of unfiltered coffee increasestotal cholesterol (TC)and harmfullow-density lipoprotein (LDL)cholesterol.
According to the researchers, the effects were dose-dependent, meaning that higher consumption of unfiltered coffee corresponded to higher TC and LDL increases. By contrast, drinking filtered coffee had no notable effect on either TC or LDL levels.
Other studies have suggested that smoking amplifies the risk of unfiltered coffee (in part because smoking causes narrowing of blood vessels). When combined, unfiltered coffee and smoking may increase LDL levels and decrease beneficialhigh-density lipoprotein(HDL) levels. This risk is highest in smokers who consume 3 or more cups per day.
As interesting as the findings are, they are not consistent. A small but relevant trial inExperimental and Therapeutic Medicinecould not find an association between regular consumption of unfiltered coffee—in this case Turkish coffee—and elevated blood lipids. The same was true whether or not the coffee was consumed with cream or if the person was a smoker or non-smoker.
The Facts About Coffee and Heart Disease
Realistic Effects
Based on the current body of research, there is no clear-cut answer as to whether coffee on its own is going to detrimentally influence cholesterol levels. As with all things related to cholesterol and heart disease, the causes are complex and involve a mix of diet, exercise, genetics, and lifestyle habits.
If you have trouble controlling your cholesterol, speak with your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to reduce your intake if you’re a heavy coffee drinker, but will more likely focus on interventions with proven benefits.
12 Ways to Reduce LDL Cholesterol
A single cup of coffee contains a surprising number of bioactive ingredients that can directly influence a person’s physical and mental health and well-being.
These include:
Among those thought to contribute to increased cholesterol levels are the diterpenescafestolandkahweol. What isn’t known is how much cafestol or kahweol it takes to affect cholesterol levels (studies vary on this effect) or if other bioactive ingredients in coffee, such as polyphenols, potentially mitigate this risk.
It’s also worth noting that cafestol and kahweol both have anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetes effects that are beneficial to one’s health.
When taken in their entirety, the facts suggest that coffee appears to be safe when consumed in moderation and may also have some health benefits.
Coffee Drink Ingredients
These days, coffee is consumed in many different forms. When visiting the typical coffee house, you are likely to be faced with an extensive menu of hot and cold coffee beverages, including lattes, cappuccinos, frappes, mochaccinos, cold brews, and a plethora of flavored coffees.
As much as you might worry about coffee’s effect on your cholesterol, arguably the bigger concern is the other added ingredients in coffee drinks, which may increase the risk of heart disease,obesity, andtype 2 diabetes.
Consider for example that a 16-ounce serving of Starbucks cinnamon dolce creme frappucino delivers at least 360 calories, 130 of which are from fat. On top of this, you’re consuming 55 grams of dietary cholesterol (18% of your recommended daily intake) and 9 grams ofsaturated fat(45% of your recommended daily intake).
Compare this to a 16-ounce serving of plain coffee that delivers only 5 calories and has no fat, cholesterol, sodium, or carbohydrates.
If you are worried about your cholesterol and heart health, opt for a plain cup of coffee rather than calorie- and fat-rich coffee drinks.
Coffee’s Other Effects on Cholesterol
When we think about cholesterol, we generally think that “high” means “bad.” And, while this is certainly true with LDL cholesterol, increased levels of HDL cholesterol are generally considered a good thing.
Among its benefits, HDL cholesterol absorbs excess cholesterol in the blood and carries it back to the liver where it is flushed out of the body. Increases in HDL generally correspond to decreases in the risk of heart disease andstroke.
A 2020 study in theJournal of Nutritionreported that while high consumption of unfiltered espresso did, in fact, increase TC and LDL levels in both men and women, it also increased HDL and decreasedtriglyceridelevels. Decreased triglycerides are linked to a lower risk of heart disease.
The same study also noted that regular consumption of tea and instant coffee had no detrimental effect on a person’s blood lipid profile.
Risks of Drinking Coffee
Although there has been much published about the benefits of coffee, it is important to consider the possible risk, particularly if you are a heavy coffee drinker.
Among them:
How to Reduce Stomach Irritation From Coffee
Drug Interactions
The caffeine content in coffee may amplify the effects of certain drugs, especially stimulants. Takingcoffee and stimulantstogether can increase both your heart rate and blood pressure, sometimes severely.
Examples of stimulants include:
Caffeine and other organic compounds in coffee can also interfere with the absorption of some pharmaceutical drugs, making them less effective.
Coffee can increase the absorption of drugs like aspirin andlevodopa, increasing the risk of side effects.
Is there a link between coffee and cholesterol?
Is French press coffee bad for you?
Unfiltered French press coffee contains far more cafestol (2.6 milligrams) than an equivalent cup of filtered coffee (O.1 milligram). Cafestol and kahweol are two substances in coffee thought to increase LDL cholesterol. Other unfiltered coffees have even higher cafestol content, including Turkish coffee (4.2 milligrams) and Scandanavian boiled coffee (6.2 milligrams).
Is coffee bad when you have high blood pressure?
Caffeine can trigger a short but dramatic increase in blood pressure, even for people who havenormal blood pressure. Caffeine stimulates the release ofcalciumfrom the lining of the stomach which causes blood vessels to contract, increasing blood pressure. Because the effect is temporary, it may not necessarily be harmful, but it certainly doesn’t help if your blood pressure is out of control.
A Word From Verywell
While many of us enjoy coffee and feel as if we can’t live without it, moderate consumption is key to reaping the benefits while lowering potential risks—including those relating to high cholesterol.
If you drink coffee and/or experience edginess, insomnia, or other adverse effects, speak with your doctor about ways to reduce your intake. This may involve gradually tapering off until you don’t experience these effects anymore.
14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Poole R, Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, Fallowfield JA, Hayes PC, Parkes J.Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes.BMJ. 2017 Nov;359:j5024. doi:10.1136/bmj.j5024Cai L, Ma D, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Wang P.The effect of coffee consumption on serum lipids: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Eur J Clin Nutr.2012;66(8):872-7. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2012.68Abu-Taha M, Dagash R, Mohammad BA, Basheiti I, Abu-Samak MS.Combined effect of coffee consumption and cigarette smoking on serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and lipid profile in young males: a cross-sectional study.Int J Gen Med.2019 Nov;2019;421-32. doi:https:10.2147/IJGM.S213737Karabudak E, Turkuzu D, Koksal E.Association between coffee consumption and serum profile.Exp Ther Med.2015 May;9(5):1841-6. doi:10.3892/etm.2015.2342Rodríguez-Artalejo F, López-García E.Coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease: a condensed review of epidemiological evidence and mechanisms.J Agric Food Chem.2018;66(21):5257-63. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04506Nuhu AA.Bioactive micronutrients in coffee: recent analytical approaches for characterization and quantification.ISRN Nutrition.2014;2014:1-13. doi:10.1155/2014/384230Ren Y, Wang C, Xu J, Wang S.Cafestol and kahweol: a review on their bioactivities and pharmacological properties.Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Sep;20(17):4238. doi:10.3390/ijms20174238Starbucks Coffee.Cinnamon dolce crème: nutrition information.Allan GM, Korownyk C, Mannarino M.Coffee: advice for our vice?Can Fam Physician.2013 Mar;59(3):269.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cholesterol.Cornelis MC, van Dam RM.Habitual coffee and tea consumption and cardiometabolic biomarkers in the UK Biobank: the role of beverage types and genetic variation.J Nutri. 2020;150(10):2772-2788. doi:10.1093/jn/nxaa212Institute of Medicine.6. Caffeine effects on the central nervous system and behavioral effects associated with caffeine consumption.Caffeine in Food and Dietary Supplements: Examining Safety: Workshop Summary. Washington DC: National Academies Press (US).Belayneh A, Molla F.The effect of coffee on pharmacokinetic properties of drugs : a review.BioMed Res Int. 2020;2020:1-11. doi:10.1155/2020/7909703Lim D, Chang J, Ahn J, Kim J.Conflicting effects of coffee consumption on cardiovascular diseases: does coffee consumption aggravate pre-existing risk factors?Processes.2020;8:438. doi:10.3390/pr8040438
14 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Poole R, Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, Fallowfield JA, Hayes PC, Parkes J.Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes.BMJ. 2017 Nov;359:j5024. doi:10.1136/bmj.j5024Cai L, Ma D, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Wang P.The effect of coffee consumption on serum lipids: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Eur J Clin Nutr.2012;66(8):872-7. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2012.68Abu-Taha M, Dagash R, Mohammad BA, Basheiti I, Abu-Samak MS.Combined effect of coffee consumption and cigarette smoking on serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and lipid profile in young males: a cross-sectional study.Int J Gen Med.2019 Nov;2019;421-32. doi:https:10.2147/IJGM.S213737Karabudak E, Turkuzu D, Koksal E.Association between coffee consumption and serum profile.Exp Ther Med.2015 May;9(5):1841-6. doi:10.3892/etm.2015.2342Rodríguez-Artalejo F, López-García E.Coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease: a condensed review of epidemiological evidence and mechanisms.J Agric Food Chem.2018;66(21):5257-63. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04506Nuhu AA.Bioactive micronutrients in coffee: recent analytical approaches for characterization and quantification.ISRN Nutrition.2014;2014:1-13. doi:10.1155/2014/384230Ren Y, Wang C, Xu J, Wang S.Cafestol and kahweol: a review on their bioactivities and pharmacological properties.Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Sep;20(17):4238. doi:10.3390/ijms20174238Starbucks Coffee.Cinnamon dolce crème: nutrition information.Allan GM, Korownyk C, Mannarino M.Coffee: advice for our vice?Can Fam Physician.2013 Mar;59(3):269.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cholesterol.Cornelis MC, van Dam RM.Habitual coffee and tea consumption and cardiometabolic biomarkers in the UK Biobank: the role of beverage types and genetic variation.J Nutri. 2020;150(10):2772-2788. doi:10.1093/jn/nxaa212Institute of Medicine.6. Caffeine effects on the central nervous system and behavioral effects associated with caffeine consumption.Caffeine in Food and Dietary Supplements: Examining Safety: Workshop Summary. Washington DC: National Academies Press (US).Belayneh A, Molla F.The effect of coffee on pharmacokinetic properties of drugs : a review.BioMed Res Int. 2020;2020:1-11. doi:10.1155/2020/7909703Lim D, Chang J, Ahn J, Kim J.Conflicting effects of coffee consumption on cardiovascular diseases: does coffee consumption aggravate pre-existing risk factors?Processes.2020;8:438. doi:10.3390/pr8040438
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Poole R, Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, Fallowfield JA, Hayes PC, Parkes J.Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes.BMJ. 2017 Nov;359:j5024. doi:10.1136/bmj.j5024Cai L, Ma D, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Wang P.The effect of coffee consumption on serum lipids: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Eur J Clin Nutr.2012;66(8):872-7. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2012.68Abu-Taha M, Dagash R, Mohammad BA, Basheiti I, Abu-Samak MS.Combined effect of coffee consumption and cigarette smoking on serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and lipid profile in young males: a cross-sectional study.Int J Gen Med.2019 Nov;2019;421-32. doi:https:10.2147/IJGM.S213737Karabudak E, Turkuzu D, Koksal E.Association between coffee consumption and serum profile.Exp Ther Med.2015 May;9(5):1841-6. doi:10.3892/etm.2015.2342Rodríguez-Artalejo F, López-García E.Coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease: a condensed review of epidemiological evidence and mechanisms.J Agric Food Chem.2018;66(21):5257-63. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04506Nuhu AA.Bioactive micronutrients in coffee: recent analytical approaches for characterization and quantification.ISRN Nutrition.2014;2014:1-13. doi:10.1155/2014/384230Ren Y, Wang C, Xu J, Wang S.Cafestol and kahweol: a review on their bioactivities and pharmacological properties.Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Sep;20(17):4238. doi:10.3390/ijms20174238Starbucks Coffee.Cinnamon dolce crème: nutrition information.Allan GM, Korownyk C, Mannarino M.Coffee: advice for our vice?Can Fam Physician.2013 Mar;59(3):269.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cholesterol.Cornelis MC, van Dam RM.Habitual coffee and tea consumption and cardiometabolic biomarkers in the UK Biobank: the role of beverage types and genetic variation.J Nutri. 2020;150(10):2772-2788. doi:10.1093/jn/nxaa212Institute of Medicine.6. Caffeine effects on the central nervous system and behavioral effects associated with caffeine consumption.Caffeine in Food and Dietary Supplements: Examining Safety: Workshop Summary. Washington DC: National Academies Press (US).Belayneh A, Molla F.The effect of coffee on pharmacokinetic properties of drugs : a review.BioMed Res Int. 2020;2020:1-11. doi:10.1155/2020/7909703Lim D, Chang J, Ahn J, Kim J.Conflicting effects of coffee consumption on cardiovascular diseases: does coffee consumption aggravate pre-existing risk factors?Processes.2020;8:438. doi:10.3390/pr8040438
Poole R, Kennedy OJ, Roderick P, Fallowfield JA, Hayes PC, Parkes J.Coffee consumption and health: umbrella review of meta-analyses of multiple health outcomes.BMJ. 2017 Nov;359:j5024. doi:10.1136/bmj.j5024
Cai L, Ma D, Zhang Y, Liu Z, Wang P.The effect of coffee consumption on serum lipids: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Eur J Clin Nutr.2012;66(8):872-7. doi:10.1038/ejcn.2012.68
Abu-Taha M, Dagash R, Mohammad BA, Basheiti I, Abu-Samak MS.Combined effect of coffee consumption and cigarette smoking on serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and lipid profile in young males: a cross-sectional study.Int J Gen Med.2019 Nov;2019;421-32. doi:https:10.2147/IJGM.S213737
Karabudak E, Turkuzu D, Koksal E.Association between coffee consumption and serum profile.Exp Ther Med.2015 May;9(5):1841-6. doi:10.3892/etm.2015.2342
Rodríguez-Artalejo F, López-García E.Coffee consumption and cardiovascular disease: a condensed review of epidemiological evidence and mechanisms.J Agric Food Chem.2018;66(21):5257-63. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.7b04506
Nuhu AA.Bioactive micronutrients in coffee: recent analytical approaches for characterization and quantification.ISRN Nutrition.2014;2014:1-13. doi:10.1155/2014/384230
Ren Y, Wang C, Xu J, Wang S.Cafestol and kahweol: a review on their bioactivities and pharmacological properties.Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Sep;20(17):4238. doi:10.3390/ijms20174238
Starbucks Coffee.Cinnamon dolce crème: nutrition information.
Allan GM, Korownyk C, Mannarino M.Coffee: advice for our vice?Can Fam Physician.2013 Mar;59(3):269.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About cholesterol.
Cornelis MC, van Dam RM.Habitual coffee and tea consumption and cardiometabolic biomarkers in the UK Biobank: the role of beverage types and genetic variation.J Nutri. 2020;150(10):2772-2788. doi:10.1093/jn/nxaa212
Institute of Medicine.6. Caffeine effects on the central nervous system and behavioral effects associated with caffeine consumption.Caffeine in Food and Dietary Supplements: Examining Safety: Workshop Summary. Washington DC: National Academies Press (US).
Belayneh A, Molla F.The effect of coffee on pharmacokinetic properties of drugs : a review.BioMed Res Int. 2020;2020:1-11. doi:10.1155/2020/7909703
Lim D, Chang J, Ahn J, Kim J.Conflicting effects of coffee consumption on cardiovascular diseases: does coffee consumption aggravate pre-existing risk factors?Processes.2020;8:438. doi:10.3390/pr8040438
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