Can coffee raise cholesterol?

Does coffee increase cholesterol levels?

Many factors can influence cholesterol levels. A 2023 studyTrusted Source of the general population suggests a link between higher coffee consumption and higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. This is the type of cholesterol that health experts may call “bad cholesterol”. However, the same study suggests there is no relation between coffee consumption and heart health.

In regard to cholesterol levels, it is important to consider the type and method of coffee preparation. This is because certain approaches may filter out the naturally occurring oils in the coffee bean. These oils are known as diterpenesTrusted Source and include cafestol and kahweol. EvidenceTrusted Source notes that these diterpenes are responsible for increasing LDL cholesterol in humans.

The amount of diterpenes in coffee varies with the brewing method. For example, if a person makes coffee using paper filters, most of the diterpenes remain in the filter. However, with unfiltered coffee, most of the diterpenes pass through into the coffee.

Additionally, diterpenes can vary by the type of coffee. For example, as people generally drink smaller servings of espresso, this type of coffee should contain less diterpenes than other types of unfiltered coffee.

Risks of drinking coffee

In addition to potentially raising a person’s cholesterol levels, coffee may carry some other health risks. For example, coffee often contains caffeine, which can cause adverse effects and may interact with a person’s medications.

While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that 400 milligramsTrusted Source of caffeine per day, or 4–5 cups of coffee, is typically safe for health, caffeine may have various clinically significant interactions with many drugs.

Risks from drug interactions

A 2020 review found that coffee can interact with many drugs because of its caffeine content. A person may wish to consult their doctor to see whether any of their medications are in that category.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source warn against mixing a caffeinated beverage, such as coffee, with alcohol. The combination may result in a person drinking more alcohol than they realize and thus experiencing more of its harmful effects.

Risks from caffeine

The amount of caffeine that the FDA considers safe is equivalent to 4 or 5 cupsTrusted Source of coffee. However, some individuals are more sensitive to the effect of caffeine and may experience some of the following:

• insomnia
• fast heart rate
• headaches
• anxiety
• jitters
• nausea
• a feeling of unhappiness

Other sources of caffeine

Other beverages containing caffeine include tea, sodas, and energy drinks. Tea and sodas generally have less caffeine than coffee, while some energy drinks may have 2–3Trusted Source timesTrusted Source as much caffeine as a coffee drink, according to the FDA.

Benefits of drinking coffee

According to the American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source, coffee has several possible benefits, including:

• lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease
• helping protect cells from damage through its high levels of antioxidants
• lowering the risk of death
• reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in women

In addition, the AHA notes that caffeine may:

• increase energy
• help with weight loss
• improve mental focus
• elevate mood
• improve exercise performance

Although cafestol and kahweol can have a negative effect on cholesterol, they may provide some health benefits. ResearchTrusted Source suggests they may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fat-like substanceTrusted Source that plays many essential roles in the body at healthy levels. When LDL cholesterol levels are too high, plaque builds up in the arteries. If the plaque accumulates enough to obstruct blood flow, it becomes dangerous, as it can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Cholesterol travels through the bloodstream as part of molecules called lipoproteins. There are two main types of lipoproteins in the blood: LDL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). Some people call HDL “good” cholesterol. This is because it helps remove cholesterol from the body.

While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppressTrusted Source the body’s production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.

It is important to note that dietary cholesterol is not strongly linked to LDL levels. Instead, diets high in saturated and trans fats can increase cholesterol in the blood. However, research into dietary cholesterol is ongoing.

Tips on how to manage cholesterol

Heart-healthy lifestyle changes may help manage cholesterol levels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)Trusted Source advises the following:

• Eat a heart-healthy diet: This diet includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with nuts, olive oil, and fish containing omega-3 fatty acids. It also involves limiting one’s intake of foods high in saturated and trans fat, such as fatty cuts of meat and packaged snacks.
• Get regular exercise: Studies show regular exercise raises HDL and lowers LDL.
• Try to quit smoking, if applicable: This habit is a major risk factorTrusted Source for heart disease.
• Try to maintain a moderate weight: If a person has a high body weight or obesity, then losing 3–5% of their overall weight can increase their HDL and lower their LDL.
• Try to manage stress: Research suggests stress has a harmful effect on cholesterol.

People with high cholesterol should consult their doctor to find out whether they need medication, as various drugs can lower cholesterol levels.

However, some people may take a medication or have a health condition that is contributing to high cholesterol levels. In those cases, a person’s doctor may change the prescription drug or suggest a different treatment.

Frequently asked questions

Some FAQs about coffee and cholesterol may include:

Can I drink coffee if I have high cholesterol?

A person with high cholesterol can continue drinking coffee. However, they may wish to consider a different brewing method and consume a coffee that contains less diterpenes. It may also be worth discussing options with a doctor or dietitian.

Does quitting coffee lower cholesterol?

While coffee can increase cholesterol levels, quitting it is unlikely to significantly lower cholesterol levels. Instead, a person can consider consuming less saturated fat, getting regular exercise, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake.

How much coffee is too much for high cholesterol?

This will depend on many factors, such as the type of coffee and the rest of a person’s dietary pattern. In general, people can safely consume around 4 cups of coffee a day. More than this is likely too much.

Will coffee mess up a cholesterol test?

Drinking a cup of coffee before a cholesterol test should not significantly affect the test results. However, it is best to follow a doctor’s orders. If they advise fasting before a cholesterol test, then the person should fast and not consume coffee before the test.

Summary

The relationship between coffee and cholesterol may depend on how a person brews the beverage. Some research also indicates that coffee may affect a person’s cholesterol differently depending on their sex. Paper filters may help minimize the amount of natural oils in coffee and result in a coffee drink with a lesser effect on cholesterol.

People who have high cholesterol may wish to choose filtered coffee more often than unfiltered coffee. When the brewing method does not involve a paper filter, more of the cholesterol-raising oils end up in the coffee.

A person should speak with a healthcare professional if they are concerned about their cholesterol levels.