Coffee is a staple in many workplaces, providing employees with a much-needed boost of energy throughout the day. However, a new study led by Uppsala University has found that coffee from most workplace coffee machines contains high levels of cholesterol-elevating substances. This is in stark contrast to coffee made in regular paper filter coffee makers, which effectively filter out these harmful substances.
The study, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, aimed to investigate the content of cholesterol-elevating substances in coffee from different types of machines commonly found in workplaces. Fourteen coffee machines were studied, and the results showed that the levels of these substances were significantly higher in coffee from these machines compared to drip-filter coffee makers.
Lead researcher David Iggman explained, “The filtering process is crucial for the presence of these cholesterol-elevating substances in coffee. Not all coffee machines are able to filter them out effectively, leading to variations in the concentrations of these substances over time.”
While it is well-known that boiled coffee contains high levels of the diterpenes cafestol and kahweol, which are the worst of the cholesterol-elevating substances, the study revealed that regular drip-filter coffee makers are able to almost completely filter out these harmful compounds.
In the study, samples were taken from the coffee made by the machines at different workplaces on multiple occasions. The results showed a significant difference in the levels of cafestol and kahweol among the machines, with some producing coffee with much higher concentrations of these substances.
The most common type of coffee machine, known as a brewing machine, was found to produce coffee with the highest concentrations of diterpenes. In contrast, percolator coffee, espresso, French press coffee, and boiled coffee with a fabric filter showed varying levels of these cholesterol-elevating substances.
Iggman emphasized the importance of choosing well-filtered coffee, such as drip-filter coffee, to minimize the intake of these harmful substances. For individuals who consume large amounts of coffee daily, the type of coffee maker used can have a significant impact on their LDL cholesterol levels and overall cardiovascular health.
The study also highlighted the need for further research to determine the precise effects of these cholesterol-elevating substances on LDL cholesterol levels through controlled studies involving regular coffee drinkers.
In conclusion, the findings of this study shed light on the importance of choosing the right coffee maker to reduce the intake of cholesterol-elevating substances. By opting for well-filtered coffee, individuals can enjoy their daily dose of caffeine without compromising their cardiovascular health.
