The daily coffee ritual may come with an unexpected health risk, according to new research suggesting that certain brewing methods could impact cholesterol levels and cardiovascular health.
Study finds unfiltered coffee may raise LDL cholesterol
David Iggman, a researcher examining the effects of coffee on cholesterol, highlighted the findings, stating, “Most of the coffee samples contained levels that could feasibly affect the levels of LDL cholesterol of people who drank the coffee, as well as their future risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad” cholesterol, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The research suggests that how coffee is brewed may play a role in its effect on cholesterol levels.
Is filtered coffee the safer choice?
For coffee lovers who consume multiple cups daily, Iggman emphasized that choosing filtered options is the better route. “For people who drink a lot of coffee every day, it’s clear that drip-filter coffee, or other well-filtered coffee, is preferable,” he noted.
While the findings raise concerns, Iggman stressed the need for further research to confirm the exact impact on cholesterol levels. “To determine the precise effects on LDL cholesterol levels, we would need to conduct a controlled study of subjects who would drink the coffee,” he added.
The study reinforces the idea that coffee, while a beloved beverage worldwide, may have subtle yet significant effects on heart health depending on how it is brewed. Experts suggest that coffee drinkers, especially those with existing cholesterol concerns, may benefit from switching to filtered brewing methods until more conclusive evidence emerges.
