When you arrive at work, what is the first thing you do? Do you unpack your bag, set up your desk, and then head straight for the coffee machine? You’re not alone.
According to the National Coffee Association, the average American drinks more than three cups of coffee a day. In moderation, coffee is often considered part of a healthy lifestyle for good reason. It is linked to a reduced risk of conditions like diabetes and certain types of cancer.
However, your morning brew may not be as healthy as you think. Coffee contains natural compounds that can raise cholesterol levels, and depending on how it is prepared, your daily cup may contain more of these compounds than ideal.
A team of Swedish researchers investigated coffee machines in workplaces and found that many people brewed coffee with high levels of these cholesterol-raising substances.
“For decades, we’ve known that certain types of coffee can elevate cholesterol levels,” said Dr. David Igman, co-author of new research published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism, Cardiovascular Disease to BBC Science Focus.
In particular, unfiltered or boiled coffee is known to contain two cholesterol-raising compounds (cafestol and kahweol) that belong to a group of naturally occurring fats called diterpenes.
These compounds are associated with an increased risk of high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, as well as a slight reduction in “good” cholesterol (HDL).
In contrast, filtered coffee typically contains much lower levels of these compounds and is considered a safer choice in terms of cholesterol levels.
Dr. Igman explained, “At work, many people get their coffee from machines, and yet no one has actually tested these machines to see if they produce filtered or unfiltered coffee.”
To investigate, the team tested 14 coffee machines in different workplaces, collecting samples brewed on different days and measuring the levels of cafestol and kahweol in the final cup.
In their analysis, they also examined other common types of coffee, such as Scandinavian-style drip coffee, percolators, French presses, espresso, and boiled coffee.
The results showed significant variations between the machines, with some producing coffee with very low diterpene levels similar to paper coffee.
Dr. Igman concluded, “From our data, liquid model machines are definitely a better option, producing coffee with very low diterpene levels similar to paper coffee.”
Liquid model machines do not brew coffee in the traditional way; they combine liquid coffee concentrate with hot water to create a cup.
In contrast, traditional brewers use ground or whole beans, passing hot water through a metal filter, resulting in higher levels of cholesterol-raising compounds.
In summary, Dr. Igman advised, “Don’t worry about drinking coffee, as it is associated with various health benefits. However, if you regularly consume machine-made coffee at work, pay attention to how it is brewed, especially if you are monitoring your cholesterol levels.”
“While we don’t fully understand how these machines affect blood lipids, it’s likely dependent on the amount of coffee consumed. Using a paper filter or instant coffee is the safest option for cholesterol levels,” he added.
About our experts
David Igman is a research associate at the Dalana Centre for Clinical Research at the University of Uppsala, Sweden. His research focuses on American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Diabetes, and Internal Medicine.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
