New research has issued a warning for those fond of drinking several hot beverages, connecting multiple cups to heightened cholesterol levels. Past investigations have suggested that certain chemicals naturally present in coffee could lead to elevated cholesterol in the bloodstream—a condition associated with increased risk of cardiac issues, including strokes.
Recent studies have further discovered that the type of coffee—whether it’s filtered or espresso—the quantity consumed, and even the drinker’s sex can influence this risk. The NHS outlines that high cholesterol often stems from consuming fatty foods, lack of exercise, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, but genetics can play a role too.
To reduce cholesterol, the health service recommends a healthy diet and more physical activity, while some may require medication such as statins. The NHS cautions: “Too much cholesterol can block your blood vessels. It makes you more likely to have heart problems or a stroke. High cholesterol does not usually cause symptoms. You can only find out if you have it from a blood test.”
A team of Norwegian researchers have delved into the relationship between coffee brewing methods and cholesterol levels. The study, published in Open Heart journal, analysed data from over 21,000 individuals aged 40 and above residing in Tromso, Norway.
The findings revealed that the link between coffee and cholesterol varied based on the brewing method and showed significant differences between genders. Those who consumed three to five espressos daily were found to have significantly higher cholesterol levels compared to non-espresso drinkers, reports Surrey Live.
Men drinking this amount of espresso had higher concentrations than women. Similarly, those consuming six or more cups of cafetiere coffee, also known as boiled or plunger coffee, had elevated levels compared to non-drinkers.
Drinking six or more cups of filtered coffee was associated with higher cholesterol levels among women, but not men. No significant link was found between instant coffee and cholesterol levels.
“The most important finding was that espresso coffee consumption was significantly associated with increased S-TC (serum total cholesterol),” the authors noted. They further added: “Espresso coffee consumption was associated with increased S-TC with significantly stronger association for men compared with women.”
The study detailed that, “Boiled/plunger coffee was associated with increased S-TC in both sexes. Filtered coffee was associated with a small increase in S-TC in women.”
The researchers also noted the far-reaching implications of their findings, stating: “Coffee is the most frequently consumed central stimulant worldwide. Because of the high consumption of coffee, even small health effects can have considerable health consequences.”
They underscored the significance of their work by adding, “Increased knowledge on espresso coffee’s association with serum cholesterol will improve the recommendations regarding coffee consumption.”
In response to this research, Dr Dipender Gill from St George’s, University of London weighed in, urging the public to consider the context of such data with caution. He suggested, “The observed differences could instead be explained by confounding factors giving rise to spurious associations. Specifically, men and individuals with a preference for a certain type of coffee may happen to also have other lifestyle factors that affect their cholesterol levels.”