How you brew your coffee matters. Pexels photo by Ron Lach.

For many, coffee is more than just a beverage—it’s a ritual, a comfort, and a source of energy to kickstart the day. But did you know that the way your coffee is brewed and filtered could have a significant impact on your cholesterol levels? Recent research published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases sheds light on this fascinating connection.

While the study underscores the importance of brewing methods, it’s worth noting that coffee, when consumed in moderation, offers numerous health benefits. It’s a rich source of antioxidants, can enhance mental alertness, and may even lower the risk of certain diseases. The key is to enjoy your coffee mindfully, paying attention to how it’s prepared and how much you consume.

Diterpenes

Coffee contains natural compounds called diterpenes, specifically cafestol and kahweol, which are found in the oil of coffee beans. These compounds have been shown to raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad cholesterol.” Elevated LDL cholesterol is a known risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, making it crucial to understand how your brewing method might influence your health.

Diterpenes like cafestol and kahweol, while known for their potential to raise LDL cholesterol, also have some health benefits. These compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which can help combat oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body. Oxidative stress is linked to various chronic diseases, including cardiovascular issues and certain types of cancer. Additionally, some studies suggest that diterpenes may have anti-carcinogenic effects and could play a role in protecting against certain cancers. They have also been associated with liver protection, as they may help enhance the liver’s detoxification processes. However, the potential health benefits of diterpenes should be weighed against their cholesterol-raising effects, especially for individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Brewing Methods Matter

The study highlights that unfiltered coffee, such as boiled or French press coffee, contains higher concentrations of these cholesterol-raising compounds. This is because unfiltered methods allow the oils and diterpenes to pass directly into your cup. On the other hand, brewing methods that use paper filters, such as drip coffee makers, effectively trap these compounds, resulting in a brew with significantly lower levels of cafestol and kahweol.

Interestingly, the research also examined coffee from workplace brewing machines, which often use metal filters or no filters at all. These machines were found to produce coffee with higher diterpene concentrations compared to paper-filtered coffee. This finding suggests that your office coffee habit might be an overlooked factor in managing cholesterol levels.

Recent studies have reinforced these findings:

1. Uppsala University Study (2025): This research demonstrated that workplace brewing machines often yield coffee with higher levels of cholesterol-raising diterpenes, especially when using metal or no filters.
2. 20-Year Norwegian Study: Long-term analysis from Norway linked unfiltered coffee consumption with higher cardiovascular mortality, highlighting the potential risks of boiled coffee and French press methods.
3. Global Comparative Analysis: Researchers compared diterpene levels across various brewing methods, confirming that boiled coffee contains the highest levels, followed by espresso, while paper-filtered coffee remains the healthiest choice.

For those concerned about cholesterol, switching to paper-filtered coffee could be a simple yet effective way to reduce the intake of these compounds. Filtered coffee minimizes the presence of cafestol and kahweol in the brewed coffee, while retaining beneficial antioxidants and caffeine. Instant coffee, which undergoes a different processing method, contains very low levels of these cholesterol-raising substances

Final Thoughts

Your favorite cup of coffee doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. By making informed choices about brewing methods, you can continue to savor your daily brew while taking steps to manage your cholesterol levels. So, the next time you reach for that cup, consider how it’s made—it might just make all the difference.