Can I Drink Coffee for Cholesterol? Understanding the Link

November 17, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the National Institutes of Health, over 100 million Americans have elevated cholesterol, sparking frequent questions about dietary habits like coffee consumption. The answer to "Can I drink coffee for cholesterol?" is more complex than a simple yes or no, depending largely on how the coffee is brewed and how much you consume.

Quick Summary

The impact of coffee on cholesterol is primarily determined by the brewing method, due to natural oils called diterpenes. Unfiltered methods like French press and espresso can raise LDL cholesterol, while filtered coffee has little effect. Moderation and lifestyle choices are key to managing risk.

Key Points

Brewing Method Matters: The cholesterol-raising compounds in coffee, cafestol and kahweol, are trapped by paper filters, making drip and pour-over coffee safer for cholesterol levels.
Unfiltered Coffee Raises LDL: Methods like French press, espresso, and boiled coffee result in higher levels of diterpenes, which can increase 'bad' LDL cholesterol.
Moderation is Crucial: High consumption, particularly five or more cups of unfiltered coffee daily, is associated with the most significant increases in cholesterol.
Add-ins Affect Levels: Adding cream, sugar, or high-fat ingredients can independently raise cholesterol, regardless of the coffee's brewing method.
Lifestyle is Key: A healthy diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco are more significant factors in managing cholesterol than coffee consumption alone.
Decaf is Not a Free Pass: Even decaffeinated coffee contains diterpenes, so the brewing method, not just caffeine, determines its impact on cholesterol.

The Surprising Science Behind Coffee and Cholesterol

For many, the morning ritual of brewing coffee is non-negotiable. But if you have high cholesterol or a genetic predisposition to it, you might be wondering about the connection between your daily cup and your health. The science is clear: coffee contains certain compounds that can affect blood cholesterol, but the effect depends heavily on how it is prepared and consumed.

The Role of Diterpenes: Cafestol and Kahweol

Coffee beans naturally contain oily compounds known as diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol. These substances are powerful cholesterol-raising agents. They work by interfering with the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol by suppressing a receptor in the liver that controls its production and absorption.

Cafestol: A potent compound that can significantly raise both total and 'bad' LDL cholesterol.
Kahweol: A similar diterpene, though less potent than cafestol, that also contributes to increased cholesterol levels.

The presence of these oils in your final coffee brew is directly tied to the brewing method. For most commercially and home-brewed filtered coffee, these oils are largely removed, but with other methods, they pass directly into your cup.

Brewing Methods: Filtered vs. Unfiltered

This is the most critical factor when considering coffee's impact on your cholesterol. The difference between filtered and unfiltered coffee is all about whether those diterpenes make it into your mug.

Filtered Coffee

This includes standard drip coffee makers and pour-over methods that use a paper filter. The paper is highly effective at trapping cafestol and kahweol, preventing them from entering the final drink. As a result, filtered coffee has a negligible impact on blood cholesterol levels.

Unfiltered Coffee

Methods that don't use a paper filter allow the diterpenes to pass through into the beverage. Unfiltered types of coffee and their potential impact include:

French Press: Since the coarse grounds steep directly in the water and are separated by a mesh screen, the diterpenes are not fully filtered out.
Espresso: The high-pressure, short brewing time of espresso machines, which typically use a metal mesh screen, results in higher diterpene levels. However, because serving sizes are typically small, the overall impact per cup is less significant than large volumes of French press.
Turkish or Scandinavian Boiled Coffee: This traditional method involves boiling coffee grounds directly in water, leaving the highest concentration of diterpenes in the finished brew.

Comparison of Brewing Methods and Cholesterol Impact


Brewing Method	Filtration Method	Cholesterol-Raising Diterpenes (Cafestol/Kahweol)	Cholesterol Impact	Best for High Cholesterol?
Drip (Paper Filter)	Paper filter	Low to Negligible	Low Risk	Yes, minimal impact.
Pour-Over (Paper Filter)	Paper filter	Low to Negligible	Low Risk	Yes, minimal impact.
French Press	Metal mesh	High	High Risk (with regular consumption)	No, consider limiting.
Espresso	Metal mesh	Intermediate	Low to Moderate Risk (due to small serving size)	Consume in moderation.
Turkish / Boiled	None	Very High	Very High Risk	No, avoid if concerned.
Instant Coffee	Processed	Low to Negligible	Low Risk	Yes, minimal impact.

The Bigger Picture: Moderation and Lifestyle

While the type of coffee is important, it's not the only factor affecting your cholesterol levels. Health experts emphasize that a balanced approach is key.

Moderation is Essential: Even with unfiltered coffee, significant LDL increases are often linked to high daily consumption, such as five or more cups per day. Limiting intake can help mitigate risk. For filtered coffee, moderate intake (around 3-4 cups per day) is generally considered safe for most healthy adults.
Watch the Add-ins: Sugary syrups, cream, and full-fat dairy products can contain saturated fats and calories that independently raise LDL cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol, opt for low-fat dairy or plant-based milks and limit sweeteners.
Lifestyle Factors: Your overall diet and activity level play a far greater role in managing cholesterol than coffee alone. The Mediterranean diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, is recommended for heart health. Regular exercise, weight management, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol are also crucial.
Decaf Coffee: Some decaffeinated coffee may contain different levels of diterpenes depending on the beans and processing, so the brewing method remains the most important factor. If your decaf is unfiltered, it can still pose a risk.

Conclusion

When considering the question, "Can I drink coffee for cholesterol?" the answer is a nuanced one. Filtered coffee, prepared with a paper filter, is the safest option for those concerned about their cholesterol levels as it removes the LDL-raising compounds cafestol and kahweol. Unfiltered coffee, such as French press, espresso, and boiled coffee, should be consumed in moderation, especially by individuals already at risk for or diagnosed with high cholesterol. Ultimately, prioritizing a heart-healthy diet and lifestyle, including regular exercise and weight management, will have the most significant impact on your cholesterol levels. Consulting with a healthcare professional is always the best course of action for personalized advice.

Authority Reference: The Cleveland Clinic offers guidance on understanding coffee's effect on cholesterol and making informed choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, filtered coffee, such as that made in a drip machine with a paper filter, has a negligible effect on cholesterol. The paper filter effectively traps the cholesterol-raising compounds, cafestol and kahweol.

Yes, French press coffee can be bad for cholesterol. Since it is unfiltered and the grounds steep directly in the water, it contains high levels of diterpenes that are known to raise LDL cholesterol.

Yes, people with high cholesterol can generally still drink coffee, but they should be mindful of the brewing method. Switching to filtered coffee and consuming it in moderation is the safest approach.

Espresso does contain cholesterol-raising compounds because it is unfiltered, but because it's consumed in smaller serving sizes, its overall impact on cholesterol is likely less than drinking multiple large cups of French press coffee.

To lower cholesterol through diet, focus on reducing saturated and trans fats, increasing soluble fiber (from oats, beans, fruits), and consuming more plant-based foods. The overall diet is more important than focusing solely on coffee.

The most important takeaway is that the impact of coffee on cholesterol depends on the brewing method. For the least risk, choose filtered coffee. For all types, moderation is key, and be mindful of high-fat additives.

It is unlikely you need to quit coffee entirely to lower your cholesterol. Simply switching from unfiltered methods (like French press) to filtered options and making other healthy lifestyle changes will have a far more significant effect.