How Your Coffee Brewing Method Affects Your Heart
A study from Uppsala University, published in Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, reveals that how you brew your coffee can impact your heart health. Researchers found that cafestol and kahweol—two compounds in coffee—can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, a major risk factor for heart disease.
Filtered vs. Unfiltered Coffee: A Key Difference
Researchers tested coffee from 14 workplace machines and found that different brewing methods produce varying levels of diterpenes. Metal-filtered coffee contains more cafestol and kahweol, while paper-filtered coffee significantly reduces these compounds. Since paper filters trap diterpenes, they prevent them from entering your cup, making the brew healthier.
Which Brewing Methods Are the Healthiest?
French press and boiled coffee methods allow more diterpenes to pass through since they lack filtration. In contrast, drip coffee makers that use paper filters remove most of these cholesterol-raising compounds, making them a better choice for heart health.
What This Means for Coffee Lovers
If you drink coffee from metal-filtered machines, you may unknowingly increase your LDL cholesterol. Switching to paper-filtered brewing methods or instant coffee can help lower your intake of these harmful compounds.
Coffee has many health benefits, but how you prepare it matters. Choosing heart-friendly brewing techniques can help you enjoy your daily cup while protecting your health.
