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🇹🇼 Taiwan /Health & Science

Coffee and Cholesterol: Doctor Explains How Brewing Method Matters for Health

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • A doctor explains that coffee contains a natural oil called cafestol, which can interfere with the liver's ability to metabolize LDL cholesterol, potentially increasing blood levels.
  • The method of coffee preparation is key, with filtered methods like pour-over and drip coffee being safer for cholesterol levels than unfiltered methods like espresso or French press.
  • While moderate coffee consumption is generally safe for most adults, individuals with cardiovascular issues, insomnia, or pregnant women and children should limit their intake, following Taiwan's FDA guideline of under 300mg of caffeine daily.

Many people are concerned that drinking coffee might be raising their "bad" cholesterol levels. Family physician Chen Yu-yi explained that coffee beans contain a natural oil called cafestol, which can hinder the liver's ability to process LDL cholesterol, leading to higher blood readings.

Coffee beans contain a natural oil called cafestol, which can interfere with the liver's ability to metabolize bad cholesterol.

— Chen Yu-yiExplaining the mechanism by which coffee might increase LDL cholesterol.

However, Chen emphasized that the method of brewing is more critical than abstaining from coffee altogether. Unfiltered coffee preparations like espresso, French press, and Turkish coffee contain cafestol, while filtered methods such as pour-over, drip coffee, and instant coffee are relatively safer. She also cautioned against adding excessive sugar or creamer, which can negate coffee's benefits and add to the body's burden. Additionally, energy drinks can contain three to four times the caffeine of regular coffee, a point parents should note for their teenagers.

The real key is not quitting, but 'how to brew'!

— Chen Yu-yiHighlighting the importance of brewing methods over complete avoidance of coffee.

Taiwan's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that adults consume no more than 300 milligrams of caffeine daily. For those with pre-existing conditions like cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, insomnia, or for pregnant women and children, the FDA advises reduced intake or avoidance. Chen encourages coffee lovers not to suffer through complete abstinence but to check their coffee's caffeine content and ensure their brewing method uses a filter.

For those with cardiovascular disease, arrhythmia, insomnia, or pregnant women and children, the FDA suggests reducing or avoiding.

— Chen Yu-yiAdvising specific groups on coffee consumption based on FDA guidelines.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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