Pour over coffee does raise cholesterol. All coffee can raise cholesterol due to the presence of cafestol and kahweol in the beans. However, filtered coffee such as pour over coffee filters out these substances and does not raise cholesterol as much as unfiltered coffee types including French press, Turkish and espresso.
The following will go in-depth into whether pour over coffee raises cholesterol, which coffee methods raise cholesterol the most and what ingredients in coffee raises cholesterol.
Does Pour Over Coffee Increase Cholesterol Levels?
Pour over coffee does raise cholesterol. All coffee can raise cholesterol due to the presence of cafestol and kahweol in the beans. As pour over coffee is filtered it filters out some residue and oils from these substances and therefore does not raise cholesterol as much as unfiltered coffee types including French press, Turkish and espresso.
Does French Press Coffee Raise Cholesterol?
French press coffee has been shown to have the highest concentrations of cafestol, a substance in coffee which raises cholesterol. This is because a French press brews coffee by steeping the grounds in water for a prolonged period. The mesh filter does not remove the cafestol but separates grounds and water, leaving the oils and cafestol in the drink.
Does Espresso Coffee Raise Cholesterol?
The method of making espresso involves hot water directly brewing coffee grounds rather than being filtered. Direct contact with water means that the oils, cafestol and kahweol from the beans saturates into the coffee and causes higher cholesterol. According to WebMD, a 2018 study showed that the more espresso-based drinks participants drank over a week, the higher their cholesterol levels.
Does Instant Coffee Raise Cholesterol?
The way that instant coffee is processed means that it contains low amounts of cafestol, kahweol and caffeine. It also has a high concentration of antioxidants. This means that instant coffee raises your cholesterol a lot less than other types of coffee. The coffee beans are brewed and are processed through spray or freeze drying and flushes out these substances.
Is Filtered Coffee Better for Cholesterol Levels?
Filtered coffee raises cholesterol less than unfiltered coffee. This is because with a filter the water only passes through the grounds once, rather than having prolonged contact with it. Most of the oils from cafestol or kahweol is left behind on the filter and does not get into the coffee itself.
Which Coffee Method Is Worst for Cholesterol Levels?
The substances which raise cholesterol are more present when the grounds are in contact with water for a longer time and are not filtered. Turkish coffee, French press and espresso are the coffee which raise cholesterol the most. According to Healthline, research shows that drinking five cups of French press coffee daily over 4 weeks increased cholesterol levels by 6-8%.
Which Coffee Beans Are Worst for Cholesterol Levels?
Lighter roasts contain more of cafestol and kahweol than darker roasts as they are roasted and heated for less time. So, a medium to dark roast filtered for less time will give you the lowest cholesterol.
Is Coffee Bad for Your Health?
Drinking coffee in moderation hosts many health benefits, but too much can lead to adverse health effects and outweigh the positives:
- Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, headaches, shakes, stomach irritation, and sleeping issues.
- Lots of unfiltered coffee can raise cholesterol.
- Coffee can stain teeth and weaken enamel.
- Adding sugars, milk or creamers increases extra sugar and fat into diet.
What Are the Benefits of Drinking Coffee?
Coffee is rich in antioxidants and nutrients such as calcium, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B-12.
Drinking coffee has been correlated with protecting against certain diseases:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s
- Depression
- Liver disease
How Many Cups of Coffee Should You Drink a Day?
According to Mayo Clinic, the recommended maximum amount of coffee to consume a day is four 8-ounce cups. The FDA states that the approved caffeine amount per day is 400mg. WebMD also states that 4 cups or less daily is a suitable amount of coffee, yet more than 4 cups can lead to a greater risk of heart disease and other health problems.
What Is Cafestol and Kahweol?
Cafestol and kahweol are substances found in coffee beans which can increase cholesterol. They are types of diterpene molecules and are hydrocarbons. They have strong aromas, flavors and oils and these add the oil and bitterness to coffee flavor. Cafestol and kahweol are both present in Arabica coffee beans, and cafestol is also present in Robusta beans.
How Do Cafestol and Kahweol Raise Cholesterol?
These substances increase cholesterol levels by decreasing bile production in the body. Bile breaks down and digests fatty acids in the body and helps maintain and metabolize cholesterol levels. If fats cannot be digested your cholesterol will increase. excessive cafestol and kahweol intake also increase the risk of liver damage.
What Is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fatty substance produced in the body in the liver, and helps create bile which digests fats. Cholesterol is vital for our bodies to work. Cholesterol is part of the outer layer of every cell of the body and is essential for the brain, nerves and skin. It makes vitamin D to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy.
What Causes High Cholesterol?
High cholesterol can become raised for many reasons:
- Diet – what you eat and drink has a big effect on cholesterol. A diet high in saturated fats or in cholesterol.
- Activity – not being active enough for fats to be used up for energy.
- Genetics – certain conditions can mean the fats aren’t processed.
What Can High Cholesterol Lead To?
High cholesterol can increase the risk of:
- Heart disease and heart attacks
- Diabetes
- Strokes
- Blood clots
- Narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis)
- Transient ischaemic attack (TIA) – also known as a mini stroke
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
This is because as cholesterol builds up in the artery walls it restricts blood flow to the heart, brain and rest of the body.
Hi, I’m Jen Williams, chief editor and writer for ThirstPerk.com.
I’ve been drinking coffee and tea for most of my life, but it wasn’t until I started working at Thirstperk.com that I became an expert on the subject. I’m a total caffeine addict who has spent hours upon hours reading about and experimenting with the different types of coffees out there in my search to find the perfect cup of joe.
I’ve been a tea lover for as long as I can remember as well. I grew up in a house with a mom who loved to drink herbal tea, and I think that’s where my love for tea first began. These days, I’m always on the lookout for new and interesting teas to try, and I love experimenting with different brewing methods and flavoring combinations.