Nutrition Diet: Does Coffee Raise LDL? The Definitive Guide

October 17, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 64% of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee daily. For many, a question looms: Does coffee raise LDL cholesterol? The answer is nuanced, as the link between your morning cup and your cholesterol levels depends heavily on one critical factor: how you brew it.

Quick Summary

Unfiltered coffee, such as French press or boiled methods, contains natural oils called diterpenes that can elevate LDL ('bad') cholesterol, especially with heavy consumption. Using a paper filter in drip coffee or pour-over methods effectively removes these compounds, mitigating the risk. Overall diet and additives like cream and sugar also play a significant role.

Key Points

Unfiltered coffee raises LDL: Brewing methods that don't use a paper filter, like French press or Turkish coffee, allow cholesterol-raising diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) to enter your cup.
Filtered coffee is safer for LDL: The paper filter used in drip coffee effectively traps most of the diterpenes, minimizing the impact on your cholesterol levels.
Quantity matters with unfiltered coffee: The higher the consumption of unfiltered coffee, the greater the potential increase in LDL cholesterol.
Additives can increase LDL more than coffee: High-fat creams and sugars added to coffee can negatively affect cholesterol and cardiovascular health more than the brewing method itself.
Overall lifestyle is key: Your overall diet, exercise habits, and genetics have a much larger impact on your cholesterol levels than your coffee consumption.
Coffee contains beneficial compounds: Despite the LDL link in unfiltered varieties, coffee is a source of antioxidants and has been associated with other health benefits.

The Science Behind Coffee and Cholesterol

While coffee beans contain no cholesterol, the natural oils within them are the culprits behind the potential for increased LDL levels. These oily compounds, known as diterpenes, include cafestol and kahweol. Research shows that these specific diterpenes interfere with the body's cholesterol metabolism, preventing it from breaking down excess cholesterol efficiently. This inhibition leads to higher levels of both total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the so-called 'bad' cholesterol, in the bloodstream.

The good news is that the diterpenes are largely trapped by paper filters during the brewing process. This is why the effect of coffee on cholesterol is so dependent on the preparation method. For those with high cholesterol or those concerned about their levels, understanding the diterpene content of their favorite brew is crucial.

How Brewing Method Impacts LDL Levels

The method used to prepare coffee determines how much cafestol and kahweol end up in your mug. The difference in diterpene content between filtered and unfiltered coffee is significant, with unfiltered brews containing up to 30 times more of these compounds. Studies have shown that consuming unfiltered coffee can lead to a notable increase in LDL, while filtered coffee has a much smaller, if any, effect.

A Comparison of Brewing Methods and LDL Impact


Brewing Method	Filter Type	Diterpene Content	Impact on LDL Cholesterol
Drip Coffee	Paper	Low	Minimal impact.
Pour-Over	Paper	Very Low	Minimal impact; paper traps most oils.
French Press	Metal Mesh	High	Can significantly raise LDL, especially with high consumption.
Boiled/Turkish Coffee	None	High	Can significantly raise LDL due to direct contact with grounds.
Espresso	Partial	Moderate	Contains more diterpenes than filtered coffee, but typically consumed in small amounts.
Instant Coffee	Processed	Negligible	Very little to no impact on cholesterol.
Cold Brew	Varies	Moderate to High	Often unfiltered, with longer steep times potentially increasing diterpene content. Filtering through paper can reduce this.

Moderation and Additives: Other Key Factors

Beyond the brewing method, the quantity of coffee you consume also plays a role. Research indicates that drinking more than four or five cups of unfiltered coffee daily can increase LDL more significantly than moderate intake. However, for most people who consume coffee in moderation, the overall effect on cholesterol from the coffee itself is minimal.

Equally important are the ingredients added to your coffee. Many popular coffee shop concoctions, full of sugar, high-fat creams, and other flavorings, can have a far greater negative impact on your cholesterol levels than the coffee itself. Bulletproof coffee, for instance, which involves adding butter and MCT oil, has been linked to sharp rises in LDL levels due to the high saturated fat content. To make your coffee heart-healthier, choose low-fat or plant-based milks and avoid excessive sugar and rich, high-fat creamers.

The Broader Health Picture of Coffee

While the impact on LDL is a valid concern, it is crucial to view coffee in the context of overall health. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, which have been linked to numerous health benefits, including a reduced risk of certain diseases. Studies have even found that moderate coffee consumption (2–3 cups daily) is associated with a lower risk of heart problems.

Furthermore, researchers have uncovered other potential mechanisms that may counteract the LDL-raising effect of diterpenes. For instance, some studies suggest that caffeine acts as a PCSK9 inhibitor, a substance that helps the liver remove LDL cholesterol from the blood. This paradox may explain why epidemiological studies haven't consistently linked coffee consumption with increased heart disease risk.

Ultimately, a healthy lifestyle has the greatest influence on cholesterol management. Factors like diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking have a far more substantial impact than the brewing method of your coffee. For those interested in learning more about the relationship between diet and cholesterol, consulting a medical professional or registered dietitian is always recommended.

Conclusion: Making Smarter Choices for Your Heart

The question of whether coffee raises LDL isn't a simple 'yes' or 'no.' It depends on your brewing method, the quantity you consume, and the additives you use. If you have elevated cholesterol or a family history of heart disease, switching to a paper-filtered method like drip coffee or pour-over is a simple, effective change you can make. For those who enjoy unfiltered methods like French press, moderation is key. Remember that your overall diet and lifestyle choices are the most critical factors in maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. By making mindful choices, you can continue to enjoy your daily coffee ritual while supporting your heart health.

Visit the Harvard Health blog for additional information on healthy coffee brewing.

Frequently Asked Questions

The diterpenes that can raise LDL cholesterol are present in both caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee beans. The brewing method, not the caffeine content, is the primary factor determining the impact on cholesterol.

The healthiest brewing method for managing cholesterol is any process using a paper filter, such as drip coffee or pour-over. The paper effectively removes the diterpenes that can raise LDL.

If you have high cholesterol, it is advisable to limit your consumption of French press coffee. If you continue to drink it, do so in moderation, or consider switching to a filtered method to minimize the effect on your LDL.

Diterpenes, specifically cafestol and kahweol, are natural, oily compounds found in coffee beans that are responsible for raising total and LDL cholesterol when consumed in unfiltered coffee.

Yes, adding high-fat dairy products like cream or half-and-half significantly increases the saturated fat and calorie content of your coffee, which can negatively impact cholesterol levels. Opt for low-fat milk or plant-based alternatives.

For those with existing heart conditions, research suggests that moderate coffee consumption (2-3 cups daily) can be safe and even beneficial. However, individuals with heart concerns should consult a healthcare professional to discuss their specific situation and brewing methods.

Quitting coffee is unlikely to cause a significant drop in your LDL levels on its own, especially if you were already drinking filtered coffee. Factors like diet, exercise, and genetics play a much larger role in managing cholesterol.