Coffee beans contain diterpene compounds such as cafestol and kahweol. These substances are known to affect cholesterol metabolism in the liver, raising blood cholesterol levels.
Dr. Sabrina Felson, an internal medicine specialist at New York University, recently told medical publication WebMD that "the impact on cholesterol levels varies depending on how the coffee is brewed, even for the same coffee."
The difference in brewing methods is reflected in actual measurements. According to a Norwegian study, people who drank three to five or more cups of espresso daily had average total cholesterol levels 6.2 mg/dL higher in men and 3.5 mg/dL higher in women compared to those who did not.
Unfiltered brewing methods such as espresso and French press allow coffee oils to dissolve directly into the extract. In contrast, drip coffee using paper filters absorbs and removes a significant portion of cafestol and kahweol, resulting in a relatively smaller impact on cholesterol.
Additives cannot be overlooked either. Dr. Felson pointed out that "various additives mixed into coffee contain saturated fats that can raise cholesterol levels." Typical examples include whipped cream made from whole milk and coffee creamer (Prima), which contains preservatives and hydrogenated vegetable oils.
Replacing these with nonfat or low-fat milk, or plant-based beverages such as oat milk or soy milk, can reduce saturated fat intake. While sugar does not directly raise cholesterol, excessive consumption increases triglyceride levels and causes weight gain, indirectly burdening vascular health.
Managing vascular health cannot be achieved through the choice of a single cup of coffee alone. Dr. Felson emphasized that "rather than unconditionally avoiding specific foods, it is important to manage overall lifestyle habits, including maintaining healthy eating habits and exercising regularly."
Cholesterol levels are also closely linked to body weight, so adjusting coffee brewing methods and additives should be approached as part of overall lifestyle management.
