Food & Beverage

Study links unfiltered coffee to high cholesterol

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May 13, 2022

A recent study form Norway indicates coffee consumption can lead to higher levels of cholesterol, especially unfiltered coffee, according to a Daily Journal report.

A study of more than 21,000 Norwegian adults who drank several cups of coffee per day generally exhibited a higher cholesterol level than non-drinkers. The extent of the difference, however, was based on brewing method.

Those who drank the "least filtered" coffee, such as coffee brewed with a French press, showed the highest cholesterol impacts.

Persons who drank six or more cups daily had cholesterol levels that were eight to 12 points higher than non-drinkers.

Espresso drinkers showed the next highest levels, followed by women who consumed filtered drip coffee. No cholesterol effects were observed among men who consumed filtered drip coffee.

Brewing methods make a difference since coffee contains natural oils that can boost blood cholesterol. Unfiltered coffees expose the grounds which contain those oils to hot water longer.