Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world, and for good reason. It can improve alertness, enhance focus, and even provide antioxidant benefits. In fact, moderate coffee intake has been associated in many studies with favorable long-term health outcomes (1)(2). But there is an important nuance many people miss: The way your coffee is brewed may influence your cholesterol levels.


Can Coffee Raise Cholesterol?

Yes—certain types of coffee can increase LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol) due to naturally occurring compounds in coffee beans called cafestol and kahweol. These compounds belong to a group called diterpenes. Research continues to support that cafestol, in particular, can influence how the liver regulates cholesterol metabolism, leading to higher circulating LDL levels. (3)(4) Importantly, this is not about caffeine itself. It is about how much of these compounds end up in your cup.


Why Brewing Method Matters

The biggest factor affecting diterpene content is filtration. Brewing methods that do not use paper filters allow more cafestol and kahweol into the final beverage. These include:

  • French press
  • Boiled coffee (Turkish, Scandinavian-style, cowboy coffee)
  • Some espresso preparations
  • Some workplace or vending-style coffee machines
  • Metal mesh filter brewing systems


Recent research in 2025 found that many workplace brewing machines contained higher diterpene concentrations than paper-filtered coffee, though generally lower than fully unfiltered methods (6).


Paper filters trap much of the coffee oil containing cafestol and kahweol. Generally the most cholesterol-friendly options include:

  • Drip coffee makers
  • Pour-over with paper filters
  • Standard paper-filter home machines


What About Espresso?

Espresso often surprises people. Because it uses pressure and minimal filtration, espresso may contain intermediate levels of diterpenes. A 2022 population-based study found an association between espresso consumption and higher serum total cholesterol, particularly with higher intake levels. (5) This does not mean espresso is “bad"; it means dose and context matter. A single occasional espresso is different from multiple large milk-based espresso drinks daily.


The Bigger Picture: Coffee Can Be Both Helpful and Problematic

This is where health conversations need nuance. Coffee is not a villain. In fact, broader research suggests moderate intake is often associated with lower risk of several chronic diseases. However, a beneficial food or beverage can still have downsides depending on the form, quantity, and the individual consuming it. That is why blanket internet advice often fails people.


At Saskatoon Naturopathic Medicine, we help patients move beyond generalized trends and understand what applies to their body, which habits may be helping or harming them, what simple adjustments can create measurable improvements, and how to optimize health without unnecessary restriction.


We often suggest reviewing coffee habits when someone has:

  • Elevated LDL cholesterol
  • Strong family history of heart disease
  • High ApoB or advanced lipid markers
  • Inflammation concerns
  • “Healthy lifestyle” habits but stubborn lab results
  • Heavy daily French press or espresso intake

Sometimes the issue is not dramatic—it is a daily habit repeated hundreds of times per year.


Practical Ways to Optimize Your Coffee Routine

  1. Switch to paper-filtered coffee when you can. This is often the easiest and highest-yield change.
  2. Save French Press or espresso for occasional enjoyment rather than your primary daily brew,
  3. Know your numbers. If your cholesterol has never been checked, or remains elevated despite healthy habits, it may be time for a deeper review.
  4. Support cholesterol naturally. Depending on the person, strategies may include:
  • Soluble fibre
  • Blood sugar optimization
  • Exercise prescription
  • Weight management
  • Stress reduction
  • Thyroid assessment
  • Nutrition personalization


Many people wait until labs become abnormal or symptoms appear before making changes. We prefer a smarter model: identify subtle risk factors early and optimize before problems progress. That might mean reviewing your sleep, hormones, inflammation, digestion—or yes, even your coffee maker. Sometimes prevention lives in the details!


The Bottom Line

You likely do not need to quit coffee. But if cholesterol is a concern, switching from unfiltered coffee to paper-filtered coffee may be one of the simplest evidence-based adjustments available. As your natural health experts, we are always here to help you achieve your health goals - one cup at a time!



References:

1. Kwapien E, Piszka M, Czarnecki F, Mesyasz M, Owczarska A, Dacyl H, Banach J, Kasprzyk WZ, Luczak JK, Bartkowski J. Habitual Coffee Consumption and Systemic Health Outcomes: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus. 2025 Dec 13;17(12):e99094. doi: 10.7759/cureus.99094. PMID: 41531586; PMCID: PMC12794424.

2. Emadi RC, Kamangar F. Coffee's Impact on Health and Well-Being. Nutrients. 2025 Aug 5;17(15):2558. doi: 10.3390/nu17152558. PMID: 40806142; PMCID: PMC12348139.

3. Hao WR, Cheng CY, Chen HY, Chen JJ, Cheng TH, Liu JC. The Association between Cafestol and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Comprehensive Review. Medicina (Kaunas). 2024 May 26;60(6):867. doi: 10.3390/medicina60060867. PMID: 38929484; PMCID: PMC11205330.

4. Farraj A, Akeredolu T, Wijeyesekera A, Mills CE. Coffee and Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Literature. Nutrients. 2024 Dec 10;16(24):4257. doi: 10.3390/nu16244257. PMID: 39770879; PMCID: PMC11677373.

5. Svatun ÅL, Løchen ML, Thelle DS, Wilsgaard T. Association between espresso coffee and serum total cholesterol: the Tromsø Study 2015-2016. Open Heart. 2022 Apr;9(1):e001946. doi: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001946. PMID: 35537850; PMCID: PMC8995942.

6. Orrje E, Fristedt R, Rosqvist F, Landberg R, Iggman D. Cafestol and kahweol concentrations in workplace machine coffee compared with conventional brewing methods. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2025 Aug;35(8):103933. doi: 10.1016/j.numecd.2025.103933. Epub 2025 Feb 20. PMID: 40089392.