Is it Unhealthy to Use a French Press? (Solved & Explained!)

Although French press coffee tastes good, it’s unhealthy for several reasons. A college health blog, in 2016, came up with an article that first introduced the harmful effects of French press coffee due to certain components – mainly cafestol and kahweol.

In this article, we will look more at how and why French press coffee is unhealthy, and what are some better alternatives to French press coffee.

What In French Press Makes It Unhealthy?

Cafestol and kahweol are two primary components in French press coffee that make it unhealthy. These components decrease neutral sterols and bile acids by hijacking receptors in an intestinal pathway to its regulation. The cafestol compounds are considered to be directly linked to high cholesterol levels.

Are Cafestol And Kahweol Present in Every Cup Of Coffee?

These compounds are most commonly found in unfiltered coffee, such as French press coffee. Unfiltered French press coffee not only increases the risk of cholesterol increases, but may also cause an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, and premature death.

According to a study, when the amount of cafestol was estimated in paper-filtered drip coffee and French press coffee was near about 300 times, it was found that metal filter paper was unable to extract cafestol from the coffee as compared to boiled coffee.

What Happens if There is Cafestol in My Coffee?

There is an indirect impact of cafestol and kahweol on your body system. These compounds are also responsible for increasing triglycerides and LDL cholesterol levels in your body, making you obese and more susceptible to deadly health conditions.

Is It Bad To Drink French Press Coffee Every day?

Drinking four to five french press coffee every day is terrible for your health as, a study done by a college research body and an epidemiology professor, reveals that it may raise your bad LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. 

Suppose your coffee has not been appropriately filtered or is made without using any filter. In that case, this may lead to increased body cholesterol levels, affecting your heart and leading to heart diseases.

The effects of consuming cafestol and kahweol push your body to such a level that it increases LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. The increased level of cholesterol and triglycerides leads to heart attacks and stroke.

Five cups of french press coffee per day increments the LDL cholesterol level up to 7 mg/dL and triglycerides levels to 11mg/dL. These are not huge numbers since the ideal LDL cholesterol level is 100 to 129 mg/dL. But five mugs every day is sufficient to throw your LDL levels higher, offsetting your homeostasis.

Is French press Coffee Better For You?

French press is good for you in several ways, such as increasing long-term memory recall, information processing, and attention. Rich in antioxidants, French press coffee is a good solution for energy and concentration. The coffee is not only powerful, rich, and delicious, but it is also cost-effective.

However, recent studies have come up with specific unhealthy effects of French press coffee.

Is French Press Coffee Bad For Your Liver?

French press is bad for the liver as it aids in increasing cholesterol levels. French press coffee increases the LDL cholesterol levels and triglycerides in your body, which may lead to cardiac diseases. 

How Coffee Is Bad For Liver?

Activated diterpenes in your coffee help to raise the body’s cholesterol levels which are bad for your liver. According to leading research, unfiltered coffee has some oily substances found in coffee beans (diterpenes). These oily diterpenes are also present in your cup in their active form. 

Of course, more than two cups a day have the negative potential for your health. Agreeing on previous research, more than five mugs of unfiltered french press coffee a day increments your LDL cholesterol level.

Is Limiting Intake Of French Press Good For Liver?

Limiting French press intake to a cup or none will prove very beneficial for the health of your liver in the long run. Leading research recommends that a person drinking extra french press coffee have their cholesterol levels checked and limit their coffee drinking to no more than three cups a day.

Many types of research show that drinking five cups of coffee daily over four weeks or one month can increase the cholesterol level by 6% to 8%. It is also seen that the people who are taking coffee over a long period have more significant risks of developing cholesterol.

Suppose you have a high cholesterol level in your family history. In that case, you must reduce the consumption of coffee to a safe limit, or alternating with safer options will be a great idea.

If you have high cholesterol and some heart disease, cutting out french press coffee might prove helpful for your health.

Can French Press Cause Acid Reflux?

French press coffee increases the acid production in the stomach but to a much minor level as compared to other coffee types. This is because it is less acidic than others. 

The American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy says that a high intake of French press coffee relaxes the valves of the lower sphincter of the esophagus. The valves do not close properly, allowing the stomach acid to come back to your esophagus, causing a condition known as acid reflux.

The typical symptom of acid reflux is a sharp pain in your chest known as heartburn. The average pH of coffee is between 4.85 to 5.13; anything under pH seven is considered acidic.

Can French Press Cause Diarrhoea?

A French press can be a cause of diarrhea as it is an unfiltered, acidic drink that may cause overproduction of bile which keeps building in the guts, causing disturbances in the bowel system.

Is Drip Coffee Healthier than French Press Coffee?

Drinking drip coffee is better for your heart than stovetop and French press coffee. Although drip coffee makers are vintage-style coffee brewers and may look a little clunky, they are safer and healthier than unfiltered French press coffee.