According to new studies, various ways of brewing coffee may put people’s health at risk. It specifically highlights their negative effect on cholesterol levels. A study conducted by researchers in Sweden analyzed various brewing machines and their effects on the levels of diterpenes in coffee, which are compounds linked to increased cholesterol. These results serve as an important reminder that brewing techniques have considerable influence on health effects. This last point is incredibly important for coffee drinkers everywhere.
The research was particularly concentrated on 14 different equipment for brewing coffee in four Swedish workplaces. It revealed that coffee brewed using these machines contained higher levels of diterpenes—cafestol and kahweol—compared to coffee made through other methods such as paper filtering. These findings hold important implications not only within Sweden but around the globe. Experts from the Coffee Quality Institute are urging consumers worldwide to scrutinize their coffee brewing methods.
The Impact of Diterpenes on Cholesterol Levels
Truth: For decades, research has found a link between coffee consumption and cholesterol levels. Past research showed that certain diterpenes found in unfiltered coffee raise “bad” LDL cholesterol. Yet at the same time, they can lower protective “good” HDL cholesterol. The recent study by David Iggman, MD, PhD and colleagues confirms this worry.
“They varied quite a lot, but most brewing machines do contain quite high concentrations of these substances,” – David Iggman, MD, PhD.
To do this, the researchers ran tests on commercial-grade brewing equipment. They experimented with home-brewed coffee prepared by all sorts of methods, including boiling, French press, percolation, and automatic drip with paper filter. These studies found that brew methods using brewing machines resulted in significantly higher concentrations of diterpenes compared to filtered preparation methods.
The scientists recommend replacing unfiltered coffee with filtered options like drip coffee or instant coffee to maximize cardiovascular benefit. If an individual replaces three cups of brewing-machine coffee with the same volume of filtered drip coffee per day, they may significantly reduce their risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. After 40 years, this transformation might reduce their risk by up to 36%.
Recommendations for Coffee Drinkers
Health experts recommend no more than one serving per day of unfiltered coffee or espresso. This is crucial not just for the general population but particularly for those who already have significant risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. In fact, the 2023 Nordic Nutrition Recommendations explicitly recommend limiting excessive unfiltered coffee intake, noting its adverse health effects.
“But it should maybe lead them to the filtered coffee rather than the unfiltered types of coffee,” – JoAnn Manson, MD, MPH, DrPH.
In other words, Manson wants to impress upon you that how you process your coffee, how you brew it, and what you’re putting into your cup is very important. The study’s results definitely prove the point, stressing the need for consumers to understand what they’re brewing.
Broader Implications for Coffee Consumption
Today’s research reveals that coffee consumption provides a wide variety of positive health effects. These consist of less risk of developing type 2 diabetes and possibilities of longer life spans. These benefits have caveats contingent upon the brewing methods used.
The contrast between brewing methods is striking. For example, drinking coffee from brewing machines is now understood to have cholesterol-raising effects comparable to “having a little bit of cream in each cup,” according to Iggman.
“It’s not as bad as boiled coffee, but it’s somewhere in between,” – David Iggman, MD, PhD.
Brewed, filtered coffee likely poses little risk, while more concentrated versions like boiled coffee could be a problem. It remains a dangerous deception that consumers must be on guard against.
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