Drinking Coffee Wrong May Harm Your Heart, Doctor Warns
Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- Black coffee, especially when brewed with a filter, can reduce the risk of heart failure and stroke due to its antioxidant properties.
- Unfiltered coffee, such as espresso, French press, or Turkish coffee, contains cafestol, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels.
- To protect cardiovascular health, experts recommend using a filter, avoiding added sugar and creamer, and drinking coffee in moderation.
Drinking black coffee can be beneficial for heart health, offering a shield against heart failure and stroke thanks to its rich antioxidant content. However, the brewing method significantly impacts its health effects.
If you prefer unfiltered brewing methods, it may lead to an increase in bad cholesterol.
According to Dr. Tseng Kuo-hsiang, director of cardiovascular center at National Defense Medical Center's Taoyuan General Hospital in Hsinchu, unfiltered coffee preparations like espresso, French press, or Turkish coffee contain a substance called cafestol. This compound can interfere with liver metabolism, leading to elevated levels of "bad" cholesterol (LDL-C). "If you prefer unfiltered brewing methods, it may lead to an increase in bad cholesterol," Tseng explained.
To enjoy coffee while safeguarding cardiovascular health and managing cholesterol, Tseng recommends a "golden choice" in preventive medicine: coffee brewed with a filter paper. This method effectively captures cafestol, acting as a natural barrier. For those with high cholesterol or a history of stenting, filtered pour-over or Americano coffee is advised. If espresso-based drinks like lattes are a favorite, limiting intake to one or two cups daily is suggested.
The filter paper is the most natural and effective protective net for capturing cafestol!
Beyond the brewing method, Tseng emphasizes avoiding added sugars and creamers. These additions, often found in caramel macchiatos, instant coffee mixes, or flavored syrups, introduce refined sugars and trans fats. These ingredients pose a far greater threat to blood vessels than cafestol, acting as potent triggers for systemic vascular inflammation.
The heart-protective benefits of coffee are built on an 'additive-free' foundation.
While caffeine can cause a temporary increase in blood pressure, regular coffee drinkers develop a tolerance, and current evidence does not link moderate consumption to chronic hypertension. Ultimately, Tseng advises listening to one's body. If coffee causes palpitations, hand tremors, or disrupts sleep, it's a sign to reduce intake. Prioritizing a good night's sleep offers superior protection for the heart's autonomic nervous system than any cup of coffee.
A good night's sleep absolutely provides better protection for the heart's autonomic nerves than any cup of premium coffee.
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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