How Your Coffee Brewing Method Affects Cholesterol and Heart Health

Coffee has been under scientific scrutiny following a study from Uppsala University in Sweden. While generally considered a healthy beverage due to its active compounds and antioxidants, this recent research highlights that the way you brew your coffee could directly impact your cholesterol levels and heart health.

The Culprit: Diterpenes

The researchers, led by David Åkesson, analyzed 14 different types of coffee machines and discovered that some brewing methods, particularly those using boiling techniques, result in significantly higher levels of diterpenes- specifically cafestol and kahweol. These compounds are known to raise LDL cholesterol (the "bad" cholesterol), which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Key Findings

• Boiled coffee, such as Turkish coffee, was found to have especially high levels of diterpenes.

• Drip coffee makers that use paper filters were far more effective at trapping these harmful compounds, significantly reducing their presence in the final cup.

• Filtered coffee, therefore, poses a lower risk to heart health, while unfiltered coffee may be more harmful if consumed regularly.

Recent dietary guidelines from Scandinavian health experts now recommend choosing filtered coffee, especially for individuals with a family history of heart problems or elevated cholesterol.

If you're a daily coffee drinker, it's worth rethinking your brewing method. Opting for coffee made with a paper filter- such as drip or pour-over coffee- could help you enjoy the benefits of coffee while protecting your heart.