Coffee Machine May Increase High Cholesterol Risk

A study suggests that office coffee machines may contribute to higher cholesterol levels.

New Delhi: Do you enjoy freshly brewed coffee at work? If so, be cautious. A study claims that your office coffee machine could be raising your cholesterol levels. Researchers from Uppsala University and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden found that automatic coffee machines at workplaces contain natural chemicals known as diterpenes, which are known to increase cholesterol levels.

High cholesterol is considered a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The research, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, found a significant increase in the levels of cafestol and kahweol in coffee brewed from 14 machines tested in Swedish healthcare facilities.

Key Findings:

• Study by Uppsala University and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden

• Automatic coffee machines contain diterpenes, which contribute to increased cholesterol levels

Cafestol and kahweol are specific diterpenes known for their ability to raise cholesterol levels.

Filtered Coffee is a Better Option

The concentration of diterpenes in coffee brewed using coffee machines was significantly higher than in paper-filtered coffee. This is because paper filters usually trap these compounds, whereas metal filters—found in many coffee machines—allow them to pass into the cup.

Researchers examined brewing machines that process ground beans using metal filters, allowing hot water to pass through within 10-30 seconds to prepare coffee. Liquid model machines and instant coffee machines mix liquid coffee concentrate with hot water. Among them, brewing machines showed the highest levels of diterpenes, while liquid model machines had significantly lower levels compared to paper-filtered coffee.

Cholesterol Concerns and Coffee Consumption

The research team noted that diterpene concentration varied significantly among the four espresso samples tested. More studies are needed, but regular espresso consumers should be mindful of this.

The researchers concluded that, based on the concentration of cafestol and kahweol, fully filtered coffee appears to be a healthier choice for heart health. They recommended prioritizing filtered coffee in workplace settings as well.

They further stated that consuming inadequately filtered coffee during working hours may be an overlooked factor affecting heart health. However, they acknowledged limitations such as a small sample size and a lack of detailed information on individual coffee machine designs. The team called for further studies to establish a stronger connection.