Can coffee cause low HDL?

December 15, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 60% of Americans consume coffee daily, but its effects on heart health, particularly cholesterol levels, are widely debated. While unfiltered coffee is known to raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol, its influence on HDL ('good') cholesterol is more complex and less straightforward.

Quick Summary

The impact of coffee on HDL cholesterol is varied and largely depends on brewing method. Unfiltered coffees contain diterpenes like cafestol, which can raise total and LDL cholesterol, while filtered varieties have minimal effect. Some studies link heavy unfiltered consumption to mildly lowered HDL, while others report increases with plain black coffee, showing the issue's complexity.

Key Points

Diterpenes are the Culprits: Cholesterol-raising effects of coffee are due to natural oils called cafestol and kahweol, not caffeine.
Brewing Method is Key: Paper filters trap most diterpenes, making drip coffee a safer choice for cholesterol concerns than unfiltered methods like French press.
Unfiltered Raises LDL, Not Necessarily Lowers HDL: Unfiltered coffee clearly increases total and LDL ('bad') cholesterol, but its effect on HDL is inconsistent and less pronounced.
Moderation is Prudent: Heavy consumption of unfiltered coffee is associated with higher cholesterol; moderate intake (3-4 cups) is generally considered safe and may even offer health benefits.
Watch Your Additives: High-calorie and high-fat additions like sugary syrups and cream can have a more detrimental effect on your cholesterol than the coffee itself.
Genetics Play a Role: Individual metabolism and genetic factors can influence how sensitive a person is to coffee's effect on cholesterol levels.

Diterpenes: The Real Cause of Cholesterol Concerns

Coffee beans contain natural, oily compounds called diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol. These substances, not the caffeine itself, are the active ingredients responsible for altering lipid profiles. When consumed, cafestol interferes with the body's cholesterol regulation, specifically by affecting pathways that control its production and removal in the liver. This mechanism leads to increased levels of total cholesterol and LDL ('bad') cholesterol in the bloodstream. Paper filters are highly effective at trapping these diterpenes, which is why the brewing method is the single most important factor determining coffee's effect on cholesterol.

The Critical Role of Your Brewing Method

The amount of diterpenes that end up in your cup varies dramatically depending on how you prepare your coffee. This difference is key to understanding coffee's effect on cholesterol levels.

Comparing Filtered vs. Unfiltered Coffee


Feature	Filtered Coffee (e.g., Drip, Pour-Over)	Unfiltered Coffee (e.g., French Press, Turkish)
Diterpene Content	Very Low	High (especially cafestol)
Effect on LDL	Minimal to no effect	Significantly increases LDL cholesterol
Effect on HDL	No consistent effect; some studies show mild increase	Older studies suggest a mild decrease; more recent evidence conflicting
Primary Mechanism	Paper filter removes diterpenes	Diterpenes remain in brew, interfering with cholesterol breakdown
Impact on Heart Health	Generally considered heart-healthy in moderation	Requires moderation, especially for those with cholesterol concerns

The Conflicting Evidence on HDL

While the link between unfiltered coffee and elevated LDL cholesterol is well-established, the relationship with HDL is more complex and has produced inconsistent findings over the years. Some older studies, particularly from the 1980s, observed an inverse association between heavy coffee intake and HDL levels in women. A 2020 study in Taiwan found that higher consumption of plain black coffee was actually associated with higher HDL levels, an effect that was not seen with coffee containing additives. This suggests that other factors or beverage components, not just cafestol, are at play. It's also important to remember that raising HDL levels through dietary changes is generally more challenging than lowering LDL, with genetics and exercise playing a more dominant role.

More Than Just the Bean: Other Influencing Factors

Beyond the brewing method, several other elements can impact how your coffee affects your lipid profile. These include:

Quantity: Heavy consumption of coffee, particularly unfiltered varieties (more than 5-8 cups per day), is associated with a greater increase in cholesterol levels. Moderate consumption (3-4 cups per day) is generally considered safe and may even have protective health benefits.
Additives: The sugary syrups, full-fat creams, and other high-calorie additions common in coffee shop beverages can significantly raise both LDL and triglycerides. These unhealthy additions often have a much larger negative impact on cholesterol than the coffee itself.
Genetics: An individual's genetic makeup can influence how their body metabolizes coffee and responds to diterpenes, leading to varying effects on cholesterol levels.

Actionable Steps for a Heart-Healthy Coffee Habit

If you are concerned about your cholesterol, especially low HDL, making a few simple adjustments can help you continue to enjoy coffee without worry.

Choose filtered over unfiltered: Prioritize drip coffee, pour-over, or Aeropress using a paper filter. This is the single most effective way to reduce your diterpene intake.
Moderate your consumption: Keep your daily intake of unfiltered methods like French press or espresso in check, reserving them for occasional treats rather than a daily habit.
Watch the add-ins: Opt for black coffee, or use low-fat milk and modest amounts of sugar. Experiment with spices like cinnamon for flavor.
Focus on overall health: Remember that a healthy diet, regular exercise, and not smoking have a much larger, proven impact on your cholesterol levels than coffee consumption alone.

For more information on balancing coffee consumption with cardiovascular wellness, visit Medical News Today.

Conclusion

While unfiltered coffee can raise total and LDL cholesterol due to diterpenes, there is no consistent evidence that it directly causes a significant drop in HDL cholesterol. Some studies have even found a positive association with HDL for plain black coffee. The key takeaway is that the preparation method is paramount, and choosing filtered coffee is the safest option for those concerned about their lipid profile. Ultimately, for a heart-healthy lifestyle, the overall picture of diet, exercise, and genetics is far more impactful than moderate coffee consumption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brewing methods that use a paper filter, such as drip coffee, pour-over, and Aeropress with a paper filter, are best. The paper effectively removes the diterpenes that raise cholesterol.

Yes, if it is unfiltered. The diterpenes are present in the bean's oil, not the caffeine. Unfiltered decaf coffee can therefore still contain significant amounts of these compounds.

Heavy consumption, typically defined as five or more cups per day, especially of unfiltered coffee, is most concerning. Moderate intake of filtered coffee (3-4 cups) is generally considered safe.

Yes, often more than the coffee itself. The saturated fat in cream and the sugar in flavored syrups can negatively impact cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Quitting coffee is not typically the first recommendation for low HDL, as the effect is not consistently proven. Instead, focus on broader, proven lifestyle changes like exercise and diet, and switch to filtered coffee.

They are natural oily compounds called diterpenes found in coffee beans. Cafestol is a potent cholesterol-raising agent that can interfere with the body's cholesterol metabolism.

Research clearly shows that unfiltered coffee significantly raises LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Its effect on HDL ('good') cholesterol is much less certain, with some studies showing no significant change and others yielding conflicting results.

Espresso is unfiltered and contains diterpenes, but is typically consumed in smaller servings, mitigating its impact. Studies show a link to higher total cholesterol with three to five cups daily, particularly in men.