Can Coffee Increase Cholesterol?

Can coffee can increase cholesterol?

Compounds contained in coffee which can increase cholesterol belong to the group known as diterpenes which include cafestol and kahweol, according to a previous study [1]. Boiled coffee has higher content of diterpenes because of longer contact with hot water extracts more of them into the coffee. Filtered coffee has lower content because of the filtering action of the filter paper and shorter contact with hot water. Tea has a favorable effect on lipid profile, in contrast to that of unfiltered coffee. A recent systematic review and meta analysis also concluded that unfiltered coffee caused a moderate to large increase in LDL cholesterol [2]. But the effect may vary depending on the type of coffee preparation as discussed.

References

  1. R Urgert, MB Katan. The Cholesterol-Raising Factor From Coffee Beans. Annu Rev Nutr. 1997;17:305-24.
  2. Schoeneck M, Iggman D. The effects of foods on LDL cholesterol levels: A systematic review of the accumulated evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2021 May 6;31(5):1325-1338. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2020.12.032. Epub 2021 Jan 16. PMID: 33762150.