Can caffeine cause low HDL? Exploring the link between coffee and cholesterol

November 16, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization, millions of deaths annually are linked to dyslipidemia, a condition of unhealthy blood lipid levels. This raises the question for many coffee drinkers: can caffeine cause low HDL? We examine the evidence to clarify the relationship between your morning brew and 'good' cholesterol levels.

Quick Summary

The impact of coffee on cholesterol largely depends on brewing method. Unfiltered brews contain diterpenes that raise LDL and total cholesterol, while filtered coffee shows minimal effect. Research indicates no significant link between caffeine itself and low HDL.

Key Points

Caffeine Itself: Research shows caffeine does not significantly lower HDL cholesterol. The concern surrounding coffee and lipids is often misattributed to caffeine alone.
The Real Culprits (Diterpenes): Natural oils called cafestol and kahweol, found in coffee beans, are responsible for raising total and LDL cholesterol.
Brewing Method is Key: Paper filters trap the cholesterol-raising diterpenes, making filtered coffee a safe choice for cholesterol levels.
Unfiltered Risks: Brewing methods like French press, boiled, or Turkish coffee do not filter out the oils and can lead to increased total and LDL cholesterol.
HDL Not Significantly Affected: Multiple studies have found no consistent or significant effect of coffee consumption on HDL cholesterol levels.
Additives Matter: Ingredients added to coffee, such as cream and sugar, can independently raise cholesterol and contribute to poor heart health.
Lifestyle Factors Over Coffee: Broader factors like diet, exercise, and genetics have a much larger impact on your HDL and overall heart health than moderate, filtered coffee consumption.

Demystifying the Caffeine and Cholesterol Connection

For years, a public health debate has surrounded the relationship between coffee consumption and blood cholesterol levels. While some studies have suggested a link to higher cholesterol, many have attributed this not to the caffeine, but to other compounds in the coffee bean and the method of preparation. High-density lipoprotein (HDL), often dubbed 'good' cholesterol, plays a crucial role in removing excess cholesterol from the arteries, thereby protecting against heart disease. In contrast, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is the 'bad' cholesterol that can cause plaque buildup. The question is not simply about caffeine, but about the bigger picture of how coffee impacts these different types of cholesterol.

The Real Culprits: Cafestol and Kahweol

The key to understanding coffee's effect on cholesterol lies with two naturally occurring oils in the coffee bean: cafestol and kahweol. These compounds are potent cholesterol-raising agents. When ingested, cafestol interferes with the body's cholesterol metabolism, specifically by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme that helps regulate cholesterol synthesis. This mechanism leads to increased levels of total cholesterol and LDL in the blood. What is important to note is that a paper filter effectively traps these oils, preventing them from ending up in your cup. This is why the brewing method is so crucial to the outcome on your lipid profile.

How Brewing Method Determines Your Coffee's Impact

Different brewing techniques result in vastly different amounts of cafestol and kahweol reaching your cup. Here is how your brewing choice influences your cholesterol levels:

Filtered Coffee (Drip, Pour-Over): Because the paper filter blocks most of the cholesterol-raising diterpenes, filtered coffee has a negligible effect on both LDL and HDL cholesterol. This is the safest option for those concerned about their lipid levels.
Unfiltered Coffee (French Press, Boiled, Turkish): Methods that allow the ground coffee to steep directly in hot water without a paper filter let the diterpenes pass through into the beverage. High consumption of unfiltered coffee is associated with significant increases in total and LDL cholesterol.
Espresso: As it is brewed by forcing hot water through finely-ground beans without a filter, espresso contains a moderate amount of diterpenes. However, since serving sizes are typically small, the overall impact on an individual's cholesterol is usually minimal.
Instant Coffee: Instant coffee has already been processed to remove the diterpenes, so it has little to no effect on serum lipids.

The Verdict: No Significant Effect on HDL

Several comprehensive studies and meta-analyses have looked specifically at coffee consumption and HDL levels. A 2020 meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials concluded that while coffee consumption was shown to increase total cholesterol, triglycerides, and LDL, it had no significant effect on HDL cholesterol. The results regarding HDL have been largely inconsistent or shown no notable change across various studies. This evidence supports the conclusion that the cholesterol impact of coffee is primarily on the 'bad' cholesterol (LDL), not the 'good' HDL. The notion that caffeine causes low HDL appears to be a myth stemming from an incomplete understanding of coffee's complex chemistry and its variable effects based on preparation.

A Comparison of Filtered vs. Unfiltered Coffee

For those monitoring their cholesterol, understanding the difference between brewing methods is key. This table provides a quick reference to the potential impacts of your coffee choice.


Feature	Filtered Coffee	Unfiltered Coffee (French Press, Boiled)
Effect on Total Cholesterol	Minimal to none	Potential increase, especially with high consumption
Effect on LDL Cholesterol	Minimal to none	Can be significantly elevated
Effect on HDL Cholesterol	No significant effect demonstrated	No significant effect demonstrated
Presence of Diterpenes	Mostly removed by paper filter	Contained in the brew
Heart Health Implications	Generally considered safe for lipid profile	May pose a risk for individuals with high cholesterol

More Than Just the Bean: Other Contributing Factors

While the method of brewing is a major factor, the coffee itself is not the only element to consider. Many people add ingredients that are high in saturated fat and sugar, which have a well-documented negative impact on cholesterol levels. Additives like full-fat cream, bulletproof coffee mixtures (butter and coconut oil), and high-sugar syrups can all contribute to unhealthy lipid profiles. For individuals with concerns about their cholesterol, focusing on black coffee or using low-fat, sugar-free alternatives is a wise choice.

Furthermore, the impact of coffee is often moderated by broader lifestyle factors. Genetics play a substantial role in determining HDL levels, and regular physical activity remains one of the most effective ways to boost HDL. Limiting saturated and trans fats, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight are all more significant contributors to a healthy lipid profile than the potential effects of filtered coffee.

Conclusion

The idea that caffeine can cause low HDL is largely unfounded by current scientific evidence. The potential for coffee to negatively affect cholesterol levels is primarily due to diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) found in the natural oils of the coffee bean, and this effect is observed almost exclusively with unfiltered brewing methods. Filtered coffee has little to no impact on cholesterol. The effect is mainly seen on total and LDL ('bad') cholesterol, with no significant or consistent impact on HDL ('good') cholesterol. A balanced perspective considers the brewing method, additives, and overall lifestyle. For most people, a healthy approach to coffee involves choosing filtered options, avoiding excessive, unhealthy additions, and focusing on proven cardiovascular health strategies like exercise and a balanced diet. For more information on managing cholesterol, you can consult reputable sources like the American Heart Association.

Final Thoughts on Your Coffee Habits

If you are worried about your cholesterol levels, consider switching from unfiltered preparations like French press or boiled coffee to filtered coffee. Focus on the bigger picture of your heart health, including diet, exercise, and genetics, rather than singling out caffeine as a cause for low HDL.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, current evidence from multiple studies indicates that coffee consumption has no significant or consistent effect on lowering HDL ('good') cholesterol levels. The primary effect is on LDL ('bad') cholesterol, and even that is tied to the brewing method, not the caffeine.

The components that affect cholesterol are the natural oils found in coffee beans, specifically cafestol and kahweol. These compounds are diterpenes that can raise total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol by impacting the body's metabolism.

Paper filters used for drip coffee and pour-over methods effectively trap the cholesterol-raising diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol), preventing them from entering your final cup. Unfiltered methods like French press and boiled coffee allow these oils to pass through.

Espresso contains diterpenes because it is unfiltered, but the small serving size means the overall impact on cholesterol is typically negligible for moderate consumption. Excessive, multiple daily espressos could potentially have an effect, but it is generally a lesser concern than a daily habit of unfiltered coffee.

Yes, but it's recommended to opt for filtered coffee. Switching to a filtered brewing method minimizes the intake of cholesterol-raising compounds. It's also wise to limit high-fat additives like cream and sugar, and consult with your doctor or a dietitian about your dietary habits.

Filtered coffee, such as that made with a standard drip machine or a pour-over, is the best choice. Instant coffee is also safe, as the processing removes most of the problematic oils. These methods contain virtually no diterpenes.

The effect on cholesterol is tied to the presence of diterpenes, not the caffeine. While some decaf coffees have been linked to slightly higher levels, this is more about the beans chosen for the decaffeination process rather than the lack of caffeine itself. Filtered decaf coffee, like its caffeinated counterpart, has a minimal impact.