A Strike Against Coffee?

Written by Mat Lecompte
Published on

Close up girl is drinking coffee. She enjoys her morning cappuccino or flat white.Usually, when I write about coffee, I’ve got nothing but good news. In fact, I’m enjoying a nice hot cup of drip black coffee right now.

But today is not one of those days. Today, I’m going to tell you about some new research that has thrown a strike at coffee’s health profile.

Coffee is associated with a host of health benefits. It’s widely known – and used for – its effect on focus and providing a short burst of energy. It’s also linked with better liver health, reduced inflammation, and a lower risk of type-2 diabetes, heart disease, and dementia.

But new research suggests that a high intake of coffee, brewed a certain way, may boost cholesterol and pose a threat to cardiovascular health. And if you’re thinking they’re talking about coffee with a bunch of added sugar, syrups, or milk, you’re wrong.

Researchers from the Australian Center for Precision Health at the University of South Australia found that heavy long-term consumption of unfiltered coffee can boost fats in the bloodstream, leading to an elevated risk for cardiovascular disease.

The outcome appeared to be dose-dependent, and those that drank 6+ cups per day had the highest risk.

But not all coffee will pose a threat. If you’re drinking filtered black coffee, the findings do not apply. The risk was associated with unfiltered brews such as French press, Turkish coffee, espresso, Greek coffee, lattes, and cappuccinos.

The risk comes from cafestol, a molecule in coffee beans. Filtered versions, however, don’t have much, if any.

So all is not lost if you love coffee. But if you’re concerned about cholesterol and regularly drink high volumes of unfiltered coffee, you may want to make a switch to a filtered cup of joe.


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On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products.

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