Written by
Louise W Lu, PhD, MPH, BMLS
Written/Reviewed by
Alexandra V Goldberg, Registered Dietitian
For many people, the first thing they do at work is press the office coffee machine button, letting that familiar aroma kick their brain into “online mode.” But here’s what you might not realise: that cup of wake-up coffee could be quietly pushing up your cholesterol — especially the “bad” LDL-C.
Coffee = higher cholesterol? The key isn’t the caffeine — it’s how you brew it.
The latest 2025 Swedish study shows that different brewing methods can lead to very different amounts of natural compounds from coffee bean oils — diterpenes (cafestol, kahweol). These oily molecules have been strongly linked to higher LDL-C. What’s more surprising is that coffee made with common office automatic coffee machines often contains higher levels of these diterpenes compared with home-brewed paper-filtered drip coffee.
No need to break up with your coffee — the good news is you can choose a more “heart-friendly” brewing method to enjoy the flavour while taking care of your cardiovascular health.
This article will help you quickly understand:
- Why coffee can influence cholesterol (in the simplest terms for cafestol / kahweol);
- The brewing method differences: paper-filtered drip, French press, Turkish/boiled, and office automatic coffee machines — which is more likely to “push up LDL-C”;
- How to lower the risk without giving up coffee (practical swaps and daily tips);
- Heart-friendly coffee suggestions for women 35+ in the workplace.
The goal is simple: keep drinking, but drink smarter.
Quick Jump to Sections:
1｜The Relationship Between Coffee and Cholesterol Is Not as Simple as You Think
Many people think the effects of coffee on the body mainly come from caffeine — boosting alertness, increasing heart rate, and possibly affecting sleep.
In reality, coffee’s effect on cholesterol has little to do with caffeine. The key lies in a type of oily compounds in coffee beans — diterpenes, mainly cafestol and kahweol.
These naturally occur in coffee bean oils, and you can hardly taste them while drinking coffee. However, inside the body they can affect cholesterol metabolism — especially by reducing the liver’s ability to “recycle” cholesterol, causing LDL-C (bad cholesterol) in the blood to rise. Over time, this may increase the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
Does all coffee raise cholesterol?
- Unfiltered coffee (French press, Turkish boiled, some espresso): High in diterpenes, with a more pronounced effect on raising LDL-C.
- Paper-filtered drip coffee: The paper filter traps most diterpenes, resulting in low content and minimal impact on cholesterol.
This is why in the latest 2025 Swedish study, researchers specifically compared the diterpene content of different brewing methods and found that coffee brewed from common office automatic machines had even higher diterpene levels than some home French presses.
Practical tips for you:
- If your cholesterol is high (especially elevated LDL-C), try to reduce how often you drink unfiltered coffee.
- If you want to enjoy coffee but lower risk, choose paper-filter drip or certain capsule machines with built-in filters.
- For women over 35, especially around menopause, declining estrogen naturally increases cholesterol levels, making the impact of brewing methods more noticeable in health check results.
Summary: The impact of coffee on cholesterol isn’t just about whether you drink it, but how you brew it. Choose wisely to enjoy the flavor while protecting your heart health.
2｜Brewing Methods Showdown: Which One Is Most Likely to Raise “Bad” Cholesterol?
Different coffee brewing methods can cause significant differences in the amount of diterpenes (cafestol, kahweol) in coffee, which directly affects changes in LDL-C (“bad” cholesterol).
| Brewing Method | Diterpene Content | Impact on LDL-C |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Boiled / French Press | Very High | Significantly increases LDL-C |
| Espresso / Moka Pot | High | Increases LDL-C |
| Metal Filter Drip / Some Capsule Machines | Moderate | May slightly increase LDL-C |
| Paper Filter Drip Coffee | Very Low | Almost no effect |
Practical Tip: For people with high cholesterol, paper filter brewing is recommended. If you enjoy French press or espresso, try to reduce consumption and pair it with a low-cholesterol diet.
3｜Want to Drink Coffee and Stay Healthy? Just Follow These Tips
Good news—you don’t have to break up with coffee. The key lies in how you brew, how you order, and how much you drink. Follow the steps below and most people can achieve both “coffee freedom” and “cholesterol-friendly” living.
Three Core Strategies
- Change the method: Prioritize paper filter drip (pour-over or drip machine) and limit unfiltered types (French press, Turkish, boiled coffee).
- Control the amount: Standard cup 150–240 ml; 1–2 cups per day is safer. If you have a history of high LDL-C, start with 1 cup/day.
- Monitor your response: Stick to the same brewing style for 6–8 weeks, then retest your lipids (total cholesterol, LDL-C, non-HDL-C) and adjust accordingly.
“Painless substitutions” for ordering and brewing
| Scenario | Better choice | Key tips |
|---|---|---|
| Office automatic coffee machine | Choose paper filter drip when possible; if only espresso is available, opt for a single shot and add hot water to make an Americano | Paper filter significantly reduces diterpenes; Americano is safer than latte or straight espresso |
| Home brewing | Pour-over/drip machine + paper filter (rinse the paper with hot water before brewing) | Rinsing reduces paper taste and stabilizes extraction; avoid metal filters |
| Takeaway coffee | Americano (espresso diluted with water) or filter pot coffee | Ask the shop if they use paper filter; avoid French press |
| Cold brew | Cold brew filtered through a paper filter | Cold brew is not automatically low in diterpenes—the filter type matters |
| Evening pick-me-up | Choose half-caf/low-caffeine or switch to caffeine-free tea | Caffeine and diterpenes are different issues, but caffeine at night can disrupt sleep and metabolism |
How much is right?
- Most people: 1–2 cups/day, split between morning and early afternoon; avoid at night.
- Those monitoring LDL-C: start with 1 cup/day; if lipid levels stay stable, increase to 2 cups if desired.
- French press/boiled/metal filter: even if you enjoy them, keep to ≤1–2 times/week and alternate with paper filter days.
How to choose add-ins? (Doesn’t change diterpene levels but affects overall metabolic load)
- Milk & sugar: If adding milk, choose small amounts of whole milk or unsweetened latte; avoid high-sugar syrups and creamers.
- Empty stomach vs after meals: For those sensitive to blood sugar, drink with breakfast or after meals; large amounts on an empty stomach may trigger stress responses and stomach discomfort.
- Water & electrolytes: Coffee is mildly diuretic—remember to hydrate; on workout days, pay attention to electrolyte balance.
“Enhanced” approach for those with known high LDL-C
- For 8 weeks, drink only 1 cup/day paper filter coffee, pause other brewing methods.
- Combine with lifestyle and diet: ensure enough protein and dietary fiber (vegetables/whole grains), reduce trans fats and excess refined sugar.
- Retest lipids after 8 weeks to decide whether to increase to 2 cups or maintain current intake.
Note: Roast level and coffee bean variety have limited impact on diterpenes—filtering method is the key variable. For an in-depth look at the mechanisms and data, see the detailed results of this 2025 Swedish study.
