Excessive indulgence in hot drinks may elevate cholesterol levels, according to recent research findings. Prior studies had raised alarms over the naturally occurring chemicals in coffee that could be binding with an increase in blood cholesterol.
This health concern is notorious for paving the way to cardiac issues, including strokes. What caught experts off guard was the discovery revealed in research conducted within the last few years – it’s the types of coffee you drink, be it filtered or a shot of espresso, alongside factors like the amount consumed and even the gender of the coffee aficionado that can amplify this risk.
The NHS has highlighted that high cholesterol occurs when the level of cholesterol – a type of fatty substance – surges in the bloodstream. Causes are often related to dietary habits, lack of physical activity, obesity, smoking, and alcohol consumption, although genetics can also play a part.
To mitigate these risks, the NHS advocates for a healthy diet and regular exercise. For some individuals, medications such as statins might be necessary.
On its website, the NHS warns: “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 correlation 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.
Men drinking this amount of espresso had higher concentrations than women. Similarly, individuals consuming six or more cups of cafetiere coffee, also known as boiled or plunger coffee, exhibited elevated levels compared to those who didn’t.
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 research suggested a link between certain types of coffee and cholesterol levels, noting: “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.”
They followed up with a point about coffee’s global popularity: “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.”
In their conclusion, they emphasised: “Increased knowledge on espresso coffee’s association with serum cholesterol will improve the recommendations regarding coffee consumption.”
However, Dr Dipender Gill from St George’s, University of London, offered words of caution concerning the study’s findings and warned: “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.”