Can caffeine increase cholesterol level in the body?
The risk of heightened serum cholesterol levels also depends on how much coffee a person drinks and how sensitive they are to caffeine.
This article discusses how certain oils in coffee can affect serum (blood) cholesterol levels, the risks and benefits associated with drinking coffee, and tips on managing cholesterol levels.
Can coffee raise cholesterol?
A recent 2016 study suggests that coffee consumption is linked to higher cholesterol levels, although the effects vary depending on the type of coffee and the sex of the individual.
However, according to older research from 1997, it is not the amount of caffeine in coffee that may affect cholesterol levels but rather the oils that naturally occur in the coffee bean. These natural oils, also known as diterpenes, are cafestol and kahweol.
The Institute for Scientific Information on Coffee (ISIC) agrees that both oils can raise total and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels, although the amount of diterpenes in coffee varies with the brewing method.
For example, if a person makes coffee using paper filters, most of the diterpenes remain in the filter. However, in unfiltered coffee, more of the diterpenes pass through into the coffee.
According to the ISIC, other types of brewed coffee contain varying levels of diterpenes and therefore have various effects on cholesterol levels:
• Espresso: This type of coffee has about half the amount of diterpenes found in unfiltered coffee. Because people generally drink small servings of espresso, it will likely have little effect on cholesterol.
• Filtered coffee: It likely has little effect on cholesterol. However, research on this type of coffee is not consistent.
• Instant coffee: This coffee type contains very few diterpenes, so it should not raise cholesterol.
Risks from caffeine
The amount of caffeine that the FDA considers safe is equivalent to four or five cupsTrusted Source of coffee. However, some individuals are more sensitive to the effect of caffeine and may experience some of the following:
• insomnia
• fast heart rate
• headaches
• anxiety
• jitters
• nausea
• a feeling of unhappiness
Other sources of caffeine
Other beverages containing caffeine include tea, sodas, and energy drinks. Tea and sodas generally have less caffeine than coffee, while some energy drinks may have two to three timesTrusted Source as much caffeine as a coffee drink, according to the FDA.
Benefits of drinking coffee
According to the American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source, coffee has several possible benefits, including:
• lowering the risk of Parkinson’s disease, type 2 diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease
• helping protect cells from damage through its high levels of antioxidants
• lowering the risk of death
• reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease in women
In addition, the AHA notes that caffeine may:
• increase energy
• help with weight loss
• improve mental focus
• elevate mood
• improve exercise performance
Although cafestol and kahweol can have a negative effect on cholesterol, they may provide some health benefits. ResearchTrusted Source suggests they may have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties.
What is cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a fat-like substanceTrusted Source that plays many essential roles in the body at healthy levels. When LDL cholesterol levels are too high, plaque builds up in the arteries. If the plaque accumulates enough to obstruct blood flow, it becomes dangerous, as it can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
While coffee does not contain cholesterol, it can affect cholesterol levels. The diterpenes in coffee suppressTrusted Source the body’s production of substances involved in cholesterol breakdown, causing cholesterol to increase. Specifically, coffee diterpenes may cause an increase in total cholesterol and LDL levels.
It is important to note that dietary cholesterol is not strongly linked to LDL levels. Instead, diets high in saturated and trans fats can increase cholesterol in the blood. However, research into dietary cholesterol is ongoing.
Tips on how to manage cholesterol
Heart-healthy lifestyle changes may help manage cholesterol levels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)Trusted Source advises the following:
• Eat a heart-healthy diet: This diet includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with nuts, olive oil, and fish containing omega-3 fatty acids. It also involves limiting one’s intake of foods high in saturated and trans fat, such as fatty cuts of meat and packaged snacks.
• Get regular exercise: Studies show regular exercise raises HDL and lowers LDL.
• Try to quit smoking, if applicable: This habit is a major risk factorTrusted Source for heart disease.
• Try to maintain a moderate weight: If a person has a high body weight or obesity, then losing 3–5% of their overall weight can increase their HDL and lower their LDL.
• Try to manage stress: Research suggests stress has a harmful effect on cholesterol.
People with high cholesterol should consult their doctor to find out whether they need medication, as various drugs can lower cholesterol levels.
Summary
The relationship between coffee and cholesterol may depend on how a person brews the beverage. Some research also indicates that coffee may affect a person’s cholesterol differently depending on their sex. Paper filters may help minimize the amount of natural oils in coffee and result in a coffee drink with a lesser effect on cholesterol.
People who have high cholesterol may wish to choose filtered coffee more often than unfiltered coffee. When the brewing method does not involve a paper filter, more of the cholesterol-raising oils end up in the coffee.
