Understanding Your Brew: Is It Healthier to Drink Filtered Coffee?

October 13, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, filtering coffee can lower rates of heart disease and overall mortality compared to drinking it unfiltered. This critical distinction helps clarify whether it is healthier to drink filtered coffee by highlighting the role of diterpenes, oily compounds that can negatively impact health.

Quick Summary

Comparative analysis of filtered and unfiltered brewing methods reveals key differences affecting health outcomes. Specifically, paper filters trap cholesterol-raising diterpenes, mitigating potential cardiovascular risks. Evidence suggests filtered coffee supports better heart health and offers more pronounced overall health benefits without the negative compounds found in unfiltered preparations.

Key Points

Diterpene Removal: Paper filters trap oily compounds called diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol), which can raise LDL ('bad') cholesterol.
Heart Health Protection: A large Norwegian study linked filtered coffee consumption to lower rates of death from heart disease and overall mortality.
Reduced Cardiovascular Risk: For individuals with high cholesterol, opting for filtered coffee minimizes the risk of consuming diterpenes, which negatively impact blood fat levels.
Filter Type Matters: While paper filters offer the best protection, metal and cloth filters allow more diterpenes to pass into the brew.
Retained Antioxidants: Filtering does not remove coffee's beneficial antioxidants, meaning you still get protective health benefits without the cholesterol risk.
Healthier Option: For those seeking the healthiest cup of coffee, the filtered method, particularly using a paper filter, is the recommended choice.

The Core Difference: Diterpenes and Your Health

The primary reason filtered coffee is considered healthier than unfiltered coffee lies in the presence of natural oily compounds called diterpenes. The two most significant diterpenes found in coffee are cafestol and kahweol. In unfiltered coffee—made using methods like the French press, moka pot, or Turkish brewing—these oils remain in the final beverage. When regularly consumed, these diterpenes can increase levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides in the bloodstream.

How Filters Affect Diterpene Levels

A paper filter acts as a barrier, effectively trapping the vast majority of these oily diterpenes as the hot water passes through the coffee grounds. In fact, research indicates that a cup of filtered coffee can contain up to 30 times fewer diterpenes than an unfiltered brew. This is a crucial distinction for anyone concerned about their cholesterol levels or heart health, as it allows coffee drinkers to reap the beverage's many benefits without the added cardiovascular risk associated with unfiltered versions.

The Heart of the Matter: Cardiovascular Impact

Multiple large-scale studies have explored the link between coffee brewing methods and heart health. A significant 20-year Norwegian cohort study followed over half a million healthy men and women and found compelling evidence. The study's key findings were:

Drinking filtered coffee was associated with lower mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and lower overall mortality compared to drinking no coffee at all.
Unfiltered coffee consumption, especially for older men, was linked to a higher risk of death from cardiovascular disease.
Participants drinking one to four cups of filtered coffee per day had the lowest mortality rate.

These results strongly suggest that the brewing method, specifically the use of a paper filter, plays a protective role by removing cholesterol-raising compounds.

A Look at Filter Options and Their Effectiveness

Not all filters are created equal when it comes to removing diterpenes. Here is a comparison of common filtration methods:


Brewing Method	Filter Type	Diterpene Removal	Impact on Health	Flavor Profile
Drip Coffee Maker/Pour-Over	Paper	High (most effective)	Best for heart health by trapping cafestol/kahweol.	Clean, crisp, and bright flavor.
French Press/Moka Pot	None/Metal Mesh	Minimal	Can raise LDL cholesterol; not ideal for those with heart concerns.	Full-bodied, richer flavor due to oils and fines.
Espresso	None (Pressurized)	Low	Can increase cholesterol, but often consumed in smaller servings.	Intense, concentrated flavor; high in oils.
Cloth Filter	Cloth	Moderate	More effective than metal, but less than paper at trapping oils.	Smoother, more full-bodied than paper-filtered.

For optimal heart health and minimal cholesterol impact, a paper filter used in a pour-over or drip machine is the superior choice. While metal and cloth filters are reusable and eco-friendly, they do not offer the same level of protection from diterpenes.

The Antioxidant Advantage and Beyond

Regardless of the brewing method, coffee is packed with beneficial antioxidants and polyphenols, which help combat inflammation and protect against free radicals. These compounds are largely preserved in filtered coffee, meaning you still get all the protective benefits without the negative effects of the diterpenes.

Health benefits associated with moderate coffee consumption include:

Improved Cognitive Function: Caffeine boosts mental focus, alertness, and mood by affecting neurotransmitters.
Metabolism Boost: Coffee's stimulating effect can aid in more effective calorie burning.
Enhanced Liver Health: Filtered coffee's antioxidants are linked to reduced fat accumulation in the liver.
Reduced Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Regular, moderate consumption is associated with a lower risk.

Conclusion: Brewing for Your Best Health

For most healthy individuals, moderate coffee consumption, whether filtered or unfiltered, is safe. However, the evidence is clear: for those managing high cholesterol or with concerns about heart disease, is it healthier to drink filtered coffee? The answer is a definitive yes. The simple act of using a paper filter effectively removes the cholesterol-raising diterpenes, allowing you to fully enjoy coffee’s antioxidant and metabolic benefits. By making this small adjustment to your daily routine, you can make a significant, heart-conscious choice for your long-term health.

For more information on the impact of coffee brewing methods, consider reading the analysis published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology.

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the presence of diterpenes, such as cafestol and kahweol, in unfiltered coffee. Paper filters trap these oily compounds, while unfiltered methods like a French press allow them to pass through into your cup, which can raise LDL cholesterol.

Yes, filtered coffee is a rich source of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can improve brain function, boost metabolism, support liver health, and potentially lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

According to extensive research, the filtered brewing method, especially with a paper filter, is best for heart health. It removes cholesterol-raising diterpenes, linking it to lower rates of cardiovascular disease.

Reusable metal or cloth filters are less effective at trapping diterpenes than paper filters. While they still offer a reduction compared to fully unfiltered methods, paper filters provide the highest level of protection against cholesterol-raising compounds.

Yes, experts recommend that individuals with high cholesterol switch to filtered coffee to help manage their cholesterol levels. Unfiltered coffee contains substances that can exacerbate high cholesterol.

Studies suggest that moderate consumption is key. For filtered coffee, drinking one to four cups per day is often associated with the lowest mortality rates in research. It is always best to listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional with specific health concerns.

Instant coffee is generally considered a filtered method as it is processed from dried coffee extract. Decaffeinated coffee can be either filtered or unfiltered, but the process of decaffeination itself can reduce some diterpenes. For best results, still opt for a decaf brewed with a paper filter.