Coffee enthusiasts, brace yourselves for a jolt of surprising news – your beloved brew might be stirring up more than just your morning energy. Recent studies have unveiled a captivating link between coffee and cholesterol levels. The culprit? Coffee oils, specifically cafestol and kahweol. These sneaky substances, found in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, disrupt the body's cholesterol regulation, potentially leading to increased cholesterol levels. It turns out, if you've got a genetic predisposition to slow coffee metabolism and you're downing two cups or more daily, your heart might be in for a wild ride.
But fear not, coffee aficionados! The secret lies in the brew. The method matters. French press lovers beware – this brewing technique extracts the maximum amount of cafestol, elevating its cholesterol impact. On the flip side, American-style drip-brewing with a filter significantly reduces cafestol levels. So, your coffee's cholesterol influence may hinge on your brewing choice.
While the coffee-cholesterol saga unfolds, there's a silver lining in your morning cup. Beyond the brewing concerns, numerous studies suggest that moderate coffee consumption may bring a host of health benefits, from protecting against type 2 diabetes to lowering the risk of Parkinson's disease. So, sip wisely, brew carefully, and let your coffee ritual be a flavorful adventure rather than a cholesterol concern. And if you're pondering the caffeine conundrum, remember, moderation is the key to unlocking the true potential of your daily dose of java.
Source: healthline.com
