Raise your hands up if you are someone who prefers the smooth, rich taste of French Press coffee over any other coffee brewing method? Let me join you in raising my hand as well!
French Press coffee has become a staple in many households and for good reason but in recent times, there has been a lot of debate about whether French Press coffee can your raise cholesterol levels in the body.
In this article, I will delve deep into the research I did and the discussion I had with my own doctor and help you understand the relationship (if any) between French Press coffee and cholesterol.
Why Excess Cholesterol Is Detrimental To Our Health
Before we start, it’s important to know what cholesterol is and why it’s so crucial to maintaining good health. Cholesterol is a fat-like, wax-like substance that is naturally found in our bodies. It is primarily responsible for building cell membranes, producing hormones, and creating vitamin D.
However, our body needs only a certain amount of cholesterol and if the levels exceed a certain limit, it can lead to various serious health complications. So then, the question arises, how can French Press coffee affect our cholesterol levels?
Can French Press Coffee Affect Your Cholesterol?
The answer is simple but kind of complex but the bottom line is: yes it does. It can raise your cholesterol levels.
French Press coffee is unique in the sense that it’s not filtered like other coffee brewing methods. This means that coffee oils and other compounds like cafestol and kahweol that are known to increase cholesterol levels in the body remain in the final cup of coffee.
A study conducted by the University of Singapore found that people who drank more than five cups of French Press coffee a day had LDL (bad) cholesterol levels that were about 6-8% higher than those who drank filtered coffee.
But, let’s slow down and remember that the same study showed that the increase in cholesterol levels were not significant enough to raise concern. Also, the research participants reportedly drank up to 600ml of coffee every day which is higher than average consumption levels.
It’s also worth noting that cafestol and kahweol only remain in the final cup of French Press coffee. Therefore, if you’re someone who drinks other types of coffee or filters your French Press coffee, this may not be a problem for you.
What Can You Do to Make Your French Press Coffee Less Unhealthy?
So what can you do if you’re someone like me who loves French Press coffee but is concerned about the impact on your cholesterol levels?
The easiest and most effective solution is to switch to paper filters when brewing your coffee. According to studies conducted by the American Journal of Epidemiology, paper filters can remove up to 80% of cafestol and kahweol compounds from the coffee, significantly lowering the risk of heightened cholesterol levels. What a win!
Furthermore, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your cholesterol levels regularly. If you’re someone who already has high cholesterol levels or other cardiovascular health issues, it’s best to talk to your doctor before making any dietary changes.
If you have serious blood pressure issues, you should always consult your doctor first and make sure you’re managing it well.
Does French Press Coffee Coffee Raise Triglycerides?
If you drink French Press coffee without using a filter of any sort, you may be at risk of increased triglyceride levels. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood, and when they’re too high, they can lead to serious health complications. In fact, drinking five cups of coffee without a filter can reportedly raise triglyceride levels by up to 20%.
However, the same study conducted by the University of Singapore concluded that using paper filters with French Press coffee is just as effective in removing most cafestol and kahweol compounds from the coffee which in turn can help reduce triglyceride levels.
Can People With High Cholesterol Drink Coffee?
Yes, people with high cholesterol can drink coffee. However, it’s important to remember that the cafestol and kahweol compounds present in French Press coffee may increase your cholesterol levels more than other types of coffee.
That’s why I recommend that you filter your French Press coffee or switch to paper filters if you’re someone who is concerned about their cholesterol levels.
Conclusion
In conclusion, French Press coffee does contain compounds- cafestol and kahweol that can increase cholesterol levels in the body. However, the levels of consumption required to affect one’s overall cholesterol levels are extremely high. If you want suggestions for best creamer for folks with cholesterol issues, you’ll want to read my other article.
Filtering your French Press coffee with paper filters can significantly reduce the risk of cholesterol levels rising and is an effective solution. Drinking coffee is an essential part of many people’s daily routine, and if you’re someone who loves French Press coffee, there’s nothing to worry about as long as you’re consuming it in moderation and taking steps to care for your health.
However, if you have high blood pressure or you notice your stomach hurts after drinking it, it may be time to rethink how much French Press coffee you drink!
