Quick version
Coffee beans contain cholesterol-raising compounds such as cafestol and kahweol, but how much of these substances end up in your body depends on how the coffee is brewed.
- Boiled coffee and French press coffee can increase LDL levels.
- Filtered coffee and instant coffee do not negatively affect cholesterol.
For most people, moderate coffee consumption is harmless and can even be beneficial. Choose coffee brewed through a filter if you have high cholesterol or suffer from cardiovascular disease.
What is the connection between coffee and cholesterol?
In the coffee bean, there are substances that can affect your cholesterol levels. The most notable ones are cafestol and kahweol — two oil-like compounds that can influence the liver’s ability to break down fat, thereby increasing cholesterol levels.
How different brewing methods affect cholesterol
The amount of cafestol and kahweol in coffee — and ultimately absorbed by the body — depends on how the coffee is brewed. Some brewing methods increase levels of harmful LDL cholesterol, while others prevent the cholesterol-raising compounds from passing through.
| Brewing Method | Effect on Cholesterol | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Boiled Coffee | 🚩 Raises Cholesterol | Contains high levels of cafestol and kahweol since no filter is used. |
| French Press Coffee | 🚩 Raises Cholesterol | Lacks a filter, allowing the compounds to pass through. |
| Espresso | ⚠️ Moderate Effect | Contains smaller amounts of the compounds but may have an impact with excessive consumption. |
| Filtered Coffee | ✅ No Effect | The paper filter captures cafestol and kahweol. |
| Instant Coffee | ✅ No Effect | Contains very low levels of the cholesterol-raising compounds. |
How much coffee is reasonable?
A healthy adult can safely drink 3–4 cups of coffee a day. However, if you already have high cholesterol or suffer from cardiovascular disease, it may be wise to choose filtered or instant coffee to protect your cholesterol levels. An LDL test can show whether you are at risk.
Other health effects of coffee
Coffee affects more processes in the body than just cholesterol balance. It is rich in antioxidants and has been linked in several studies to a reduced risk of:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
- Certain types of cancer
There is also evidence that coffee can improve cognitive performance and reduce fatigue. However, the effect varies depending on sensitivity to caffeine, lifestyle, and genetic factors.
Who should be careful with coffee?
You may want to reduce your coffee intake or switch brewing methods if you:
- Have elevated cholesterol levels
- Suffer from cardiovascular disease
- Drink large amounts of boiled or French press coffee daily
If you experience symptoms such as heart palpitations, sleep disturbances, or stomach issues, you should also review your coffee consumption.