What is the best way to drink coffee to lower cholesterol?

October 20, 2025 •

5 min read

Over half of American adults drink coffee every day, but many may not realize that certain brewing methods can affect their cholesterol levels. Understanding what is the best way to drink coffee to lower cholesterol can help you enjoy your daily brew while minimizing the impact on your heart health.

Quick Summary

The best way to drink coffee for lower cholesterol involves using a paper filter to remove natural oils called diterpenes, limiting consumption to moderate amounts, and avoiding high-fat, sugary additives. The brewing method significantly impacts the level of cholesterol-raising compounds in your cup.

Key Points

Filter is better: Using a paper filter for brewing, such as with a drip or pour-over method, is the best way to remove cholesterol-raising diterpenes from your coffee.
Avoid Unfiltered Methods: Brewing methods like French press, Turkish coffee, and cold brew do not use paper filters and contain significantly higher levels of diterpenes.
Watch Your Add-ins: High-fat creamers, half-and-half, and excessive sugar can raise your cholesterol more than the coffee itself. Use healthier options like plant-based milks or spices.
Practice Moderation: Limiting your coffee intake to a moderate level (e.g., 4 cups or less per day) reduces the potential impact on your cholesterol.
Consider Decaf: If you are very concerned about cholesterol, remember that the brewing method matters more than the caffeine content, but opting for decaf brewed with a paper filter is still a safe option.
Embrace Spices: Add flavor with heart-healthy spices like cinnamon or cocoa powder instead of relying on sugar-heavy syrups.
Consult a Professional: Individuals with high cholesterol should discuss their coffee habits with a healthcare provider to determine the best approach for their specific needs.

The Surprising Link Between Your Coffee and Cholesterol

For many, a morning cup of coffee is a non-negotiable ritual. However, for individuals monitoring their cholesterol, this daily habit warrants a closer look. While coffee beans themselves contain no cholesterol, the brewing process can release naturally occurring oily compounds called diterpenes, specifically cafestol and kahweol, into your cup. Studies have shown that these diterpenes can raise levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, in the blood. The extent of this effect is determined almost entirely by the brewing method used.

The Science of Diterpenes

Cafestol, in particular, is one of the most potent cholesterol-raising compounds found in the human diet. It works by interfering with the body's cholesterol metabolism, specifically by hindering a liver receptor responsible for regulating cholesterol levels. This can lead to an increase in cholesterol production and higher LDL levels in the bloodstream. Kahweol is another diterpene with a similar but less potent effect. Both compounds are fat-soluble, which means they are released from the ground coffee beans along with the coffee's natural oils during brewing.

Choosing Your Brewing Method Wisely

The most impactful way to control coffee's effect on your cholesterol is by selecting a brewing method that minimizes the presence of diterpenes in your final drink. The key factor is whether a paper filter is used.

Filtered coffee is your best bet. Using a paper filter effectively traps the majority of the diterpenes, preventing them from ending up in your cup. For this reason, drip coffee and manual pour-over methods like Chemex or Hario V60 are the most heart-friendly options.

Unfiltered methods are the riskiest. Brewing methods that do not use a paper filter, such as French press, Turkish coffee, and boiled coffee, allow a significant amount of the coffee's natural oils to pass into the final brew. For example, studies have found that unfiltered coffee can contain up to 30 times more diterpenes than filtered coffee. Scandinavian boiled coffee, in particular, has been shown to cause a substantial increase in LDL cholesterol in regular drinkers.

Espresso is a middle ground. While espresso is unfiltered, it typically contains fewer diterpenes than French press or boiled coffee. This is partly due to the smaller serving sizes, but also because the short, high-pressure extraction process may be less efficient at extracting the oils than full immersion methods. However, frequent and heavy espresso consumption can still contribute to higher cholesterol levels.

Here is a comparison of different brewing methods and their impact on cholesterol:


Brewing Method	Diterpene Content	How It Affects Cholesterol	Best For...
Drip Coffee (Paper Filter)	Very Low	Paper filters trap most diterpenes. Minimal impact on cholesterol.	Daily drinkers with cholesterol concerns.
Pour-Over (e.g., Chemex)	Very Low	Similar to drip coffee, paper filter removes most oils.	Those seeking control over brewing and a cleaner cup.
Aeropress (with paper filter)	Very Low	The paper filter effectively removes diterpenes.	A quick, filtered, and versatile brewing option.
Espresso	Moderate	Higher than filtered coffee but less than boiled/French press due to method and serving size.	Occasional drinkers or those consuming small quantities.
French Press / Cafetiere	High	No paper filter, grounds are in direct contact with water, allowing most oils to pass through.	Infrequent enjoyment; not recommended for those with high cholesterol.
Turkish / Scandinavian Boiled Coffee	Very High	Direct boiling and no filtration leads to maximum diterpene content.	Best avoided for individuals with elevated cholesterol.
Cold Brew	High	Long, full immersion without a paper filter can retain high levels of diterpenes.	Should be consumed in moderation, especially if unfiltered.

The Crucial Role of Add-ins and Moderation

How you accessorize your coffee can be just as important as how you brew it. Adding high-fat, sugary items can negate any health benefits and directly contribute to higher cholesterol.

Avoid High-Fat Creamers and Full-Fat Dairy: Full-fat cream, half-and-half, and many commercial creamers are loaded with saturated fats, which are known to increase LDL cholesterol. Opt for a low-fat or plant-based milk alternative, such as oat, soy, or almond milk, to add creaminess without the saturated fat.
Limit Added Sugars: Excessive sugar intake is linked to elevated triglycerides and can also increase bad cholesterol. Skip the flavored syrups and spoonfuls of sugar. Instead, use natural, low-calorie sweeteners like stevia, or add a dash of a spice for flavor.
Embrace Spices: Adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or cocoa powder can enhance the flavor profile and potentially offer some health benefits. Some studies suggest cinnamon may help with blood sugar and cholesterol, though more research is needed to confirm a strong effect.
Practice Moderation: Even with the best brewing method, excessive consumption is not advisable. Health professionals generally suggest limiting coffee intake to around four cups per day or less. For those with high cholesterol, a doctor or dietitian can provide a more personalized recommendation.

Beyond Cholesterol: The Broader Health Picture

While focusing on cholesterol is important, it's worth noting that coffee is also a potent source of antioxidants and polyphenols, which are linked to various health benefits. This creates a paradox where coffee drinkers may have slightly higher LDL cholesterol from unfiltered brews, yet studies have shown a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases in moderate coffee drinkers overall. These protective compounds may counteract some of the negative effects. However, for those already managing high cholesterol, reducing diterpenes remains the safer course of action. Filtered coffee allows you to retain many of these beneficial compounds while minimizing the cholesterol risk.

For more information on general heart health and nutrition, the American Heart Association provides extensive resources.

Conclusion: The Path to Heart-Healthy Coffee

Ultimately, enjoying coffee in a heart-healthy way is a matter of mindful preparation and moderation. For those concerned about cholesterol, switching to a brewing method that uses a paper filter is the single most effective step. By choosing drip, pour-over, or a paper-filtered AeroPress, you can significantly reduce your intake of cholesterol-raising diterpenes. Combining this with a conscious effort to limit high-fat, sugary add-ins will maximize the health benefits of your coffee and help you manage your cholesterol levels more effectively. As always, for individuals with existing health concerns, consulting a healthcare professional is the best way to ensure your coffee habits align with your overall health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, depending on how it's prepared. Unfiltered coffee, such as French press or boiled coffee, contains diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol) that can increase LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Filtered coffee removes most of these compounds, minimizing the effect on cholesterol.

Filter coffee is generally considered healthier for those concerned about cholesterol. Studies have shown that filtering coffee with a paper filter significantly reduces the amount of cholesterol-raising compounds, making it a better choice for managing LDL levels compared to unfiltered methods.

For most healthy adults, consuming up to 4 cups of coffee per day is generally safe and not strongly linked to heart problems. However, if you have high cholesterol, it is best to consult with a doctor or dietitian, as individual sensitivity and other health factors play a role.

Yes, high-fat cream, half-and-half, and excessive added sugar can significantly increase cholesterol levels, potentially having a greater negative impact than the coffee itself. Opt for low-fat or plant-based milks and natural sweeteners or spices instead.

Diterpenes are oily compounds found in coffee beans, with cafestol and kahweol being the most prominent. They are responsible for raising LDL cholesterol by interfering with the body's cholesterol regulation. They are not desirable for individuals with high cholesterol.

Decaffeinated coffee still contains diterpenes. While the decaffeination process may remove some, the brewing method remains the most important factor. If you're concerned about cholesterol, choose filtered decaf coffee over unfiltered methods.

Some animal studies and limited human research suggest that cinnamon may help lower blood sugar and possibly cholesterol. However, there is little strong evidence to support its use as a treatment for high cholesterol in humans, and much more study is needed.

Quitting coffee is not typically necessary for managing cholesterol, as changing your brewing method to a filtered option can largely mitigate the risk. Additionally, coffee offers beneficial antioxidants. Focus on overall diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes, and speak with your doctor.