Is Drinking Unfiltered Coffee Bad for You? The Truth About Health Risks

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

A large study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology linked filtered coffee to lower mortality rates compared to unfiltered brews. But what does this mean for your health, and is drinking unfiltered coffee bad for you?

Quick Summary

Unfiltered coffee, like French press, contains oils called diterpenes that can raise LDL cholesterol. Limiting intake or switching to a filtered method mitigates this risk.

Key Points

Diterpenes Raise Cholesterol: Unfiltered coffee contains oily compounds (cafestol, kahweol) that can significantly increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels.
Filtered is Healthier: Studies show filtered coffee is associated with better heart health and lower mortality compared to unfiltered versions.
Paper Filters are Effective: Brewing methods that use paper filters, such as drip or pour-over, effectively trap the cholesterol-raising diterpenes.
French Press Risks: The popular French press method, which uses a metal mesh, is a notable source of unfiltered coffee and should be limited by those with high cholesterol.
Moderation is Key: For those who enjoy unfiltered coffee, consuming it in moderation (less than 4-5 cups per day) is recommended to minimize health risks.
Risks for Sensitive Individuals: People with pre-existing high cholesterol or sensitive stomachs should opt for filtered coffee to avoid potential health issues.

The Science Behind Unfiltered Coffee and Your Health

Coffee beans naturally contain several oily compounds called diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol. When you brew coffee, these compounds are extracted into your beverage. However, the presence and concentration of these diterpenes vary significantly based on the brewing method used. Paper filters, for instance, are highly effective at trapping these oils, preventing them from ending up in your cup. Methods that do not use a paper filter, such as French press, Turkish coffee, or boiling coffee, allow these diterpenes to pass through into the final brew.

How Diterpenes Affect Cholesterol

Extensive research has shown that high consumption of unfiltered coffee is associated with an increase in serum cholesterol levels. The diterpenes cafestol and kahweol work by suppressing the body's cholesterol metabolism, leading to elevated levels of total cholesterol and LDL (low-density lipoprotein), often called the "bad" cholesterol. While the effect is most pronounced in heavy drinkers (consuming five or more cups per day), it is a significant factor for anyone concerned about cardiovascular health. For individuals with a family history of high cholesterol or existing heart conditions, this effect is of particular concern.

Unfiltered vs. Filtered Brewing Methods: A Comparison

Choosing your brewing method is the most direct way to control the amount of diterpenes in your coffee. The use of a paper filter is the key differentiator. Below is a comparison of popular brewing methods and their relative health impacts.


Brewing Method	Filter Type	Diterpene Level	Health Impact (Cholesterol)
Drip/Pour-Over	Paper	Very Low	Minimal effect; considered healthiest
French Press	Metal Mesh	Very High	Can significantly raise LDL cholesterol
Turkish/Boiled	None	Highest	Potent effect on raising LDL cholesterol
Espresso	Fine Mesh	Moderate	Lower than French press, but more than filtered
Cold Brew	Varies	Potentially High	Can be high if final straining isn't fine enough
Instant Coffee	Processed	Very Low	Minimal effect

Who Should Be Cautious About Unfiltered Coffee?

While moderate consumption of any type of coffee is generally considered safe for healthy individuals, those with specific health conditions should be more mindful of their brew. The risks associated with unfiltered coffee are not universal and depend on several factors, including genetics, overall diet, and lifestyle. Individuals who should be particularly cautious include:

Those with high cholesterol: If you have high LDL cholesterol or hypercholesterolemia, switching to a paper-filtered method is a simple and effective step to mitigate potential increases.
Individuals at risk for heart disease: Given the link between unfiltered coffee and elevated cholesterol, those with a history of heart issues should opt for filtered varieties to support cardiovascular health.
Heavy coffee drinkers: Consuming five or more cups of unfiltered coffee daily has been shown to have a more pronounced effect on cholesterol levels.
Those with stomach sensitivities: The oils and fine particles in unfiltered brews can cause stomach irritation or discomfort in some people.

The Benefits of Unfiltered Coffee (and Coffee in General)

It is important to remember that all coffee, regardless of the brewing method, offers several health benefits. The coffee bean itself is rich in antioxidants and other bioactive compounds that combat inflammation and oxidative stress. Studies have linked moderate coffee consumption to a reduced risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, liver cancer, and Parkinson's. The debate surrounding unfiltered coffee does not diminish these proven benefits; it simply highlights a specific risk factor for a subset of the population.

Flavor is another significant factor. Many coffee enthusiasts prefer the richer, fuller body and robust flavor profile that unfiltered brewing methods like the French press provide. The oils that are filtered out in drip coffee contribute to the unique taste appreciated by many. The goal is to balance the desired flavor with your individual health considerations.

How to Minimize the Risks of Unfiltered Coffee

If you love the bold taste of a French press or Turkish coffee but want to reduce the potential health risks, there are several practical steps you can take:

Moderate your intake: Limiting your consumption of unfiltered coffee to fewer than four cups per day can help minimize the cholesterol-raising effects.
Alternate brewing methods: Enjoy an unfiltered brew on occasion, but use a paper-filtered method like pour-over or drip coffee on most days.
Experiment with filters: For French press users, some people add a paper filter on top of the metal mesh before plunging to catch more oils and sediment.
Choose the right beans: Research suggests that darker roasts may have slightly lower levels of diterpenes, although the effect is small compared to the difference a paper filter makes.
Additives matter: Be mindful of what you add to your coffee. Creamers and sugar can add saturated fats and sugars that have their own negative impact on cholesterol and overall health, potentially overshadowing the effects of diterpenes.

Conclusion

So, is drinking unfiltered coffee bad for you? The answer is nuanced. For most healthy individuals in moderation, the overall health benefits of coffee likely outweigh the risks associated with unfiltered brewing. However, for those with high cholesterol or a history of heart disease, regularly consuming large quantities of unfiltered coffee is a legitimate health concern due to the presence of diterpenes like cafestol. By understanding the effects of diterpenes and exploring alternative brewing methods, coffee lovers can make informed decisions to balance their enjoyment with their health goals. Ultimately, the healthiest approach is to prioritize a paper-filtered method or to enjoy unfiltered varieties in moderation.

For more information on the links between brewing methods and cardiovascular health, you can consult research published in authoritative journals such as the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, for individuals with high cholesterol, French press coffee can be a concern. This brewing method uses a metal mesh filter that allows diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) to pass into your drink, which can raise LDL cholesterol levels.

Yes, traditional cold brew is an immersion method where coffee grounds steep in water for many hours. Since it often relies on a coarse filter or fine sieve, more diterpenes can remain in the final brew compared to paper-filtered methods. For lower diterpene levels, ensure the final straining process uses a paper filter.

Espresso is not filtered with a paper filter, and it does contain diterpenes. However, because it is consumed in smaller quantities, its overall impact on cholesterol is less significant than other unfiltered methods like French press or Turkish coffee.

You can minimize risks by moderating your intake, especially if you have high cholesterol. You can also experiment with putting a paper filter on top of the metal mesh in a French press or by drinking filtered coffee on most days.

Yes, instant coffee is derived from filtered coffee extract and is processed to remove a majority of the diterpenes. It is generally considered a low-risk option for those concerned about cholesterol.

No, the beneficial antioxidants in coffee are largely retained when using a paper filter. Filtering primarily removes the oily diterpenes, leaving the health-promoting compounds intact. Filtered coffee can offer antioxidant benefits with less cholesterol risk.

For most people without pre-existing cholesterol issues, drinking unfiltered coffee occasionally is fine. The key is moderation. High consumption on a regular basis is what poses the greatest risk.