What Kind of Coffee Is Good for Cholesterol?

November 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, drinking paper-filtered coffee was associated with lower mortality from heart disease compared to drinking unfiltered coffee. This crucial insight reveals that the preparation method is key to determining what kind of coffee is good for cholesterol, not the coffee bean itself. The primary factor is the presence of cholesterol-raising compounds called diterpenes, which can be minimized or removed depending on how the coffee is brewed.

Quick Summary

The effect of coffee on cholesterol is heavily influenced by the brewing method, due to the presence of diterpenes in coffee oils. Paper filters trap these compounds, making filtered coffee a safer choice for heart health. Unfiltered preparations like French press or espresso allow more diterpenes to pass through, potentially raising bad LDL cholesterol.

Key Points

Filtered is Best: Brewing methods using paper filters, such as standard drip or pour-over coffee, significantly reduce cholesterol-raising diterpenes.
Avoid Unfiltered Brews: French press, Turkish, and Scandinavian boiled coffees contain high levels of diterpenes that can increase LDL cholesterol.
Limit Espresso Consumption: Due to its preparation method without a filter, espresso has higher diterpene levels than filtered coffee, so moderation is advised.
Watch Your Add-Ins: Sugary syrups, full-fat creams, and butter can add unhealthy fats that negatively impact cholesterol, regardless of the brewing method.
Moderate Your Intake: Most health experts recommend moderate coffee consumption, typically 3-4 cups per day, for overall heart health benefits.
Choose Low-Fat Alternatives: Use plant-based milks or spices like cinnamon to flavor your coffee instead of high-fat dairy creamers.
Instant Coffee is Safe: Instant coffee is processed in a way that removes most diterpenes, making it a cholesterol-friendly option.

Most people enjoy their morning cup of joe without a second thought, but for individuals concerned about their cholesterol, the type and preparation of coffee matter significantly. While coffee beans contain beneficial antioxidants, they also contain natural oils with compounds called diterpenes, specifically cafestol and kahweol, that can raise bad (LDL) cholesterol levels. The key to choosing a heart-healthy cup lies in the brewing method and minimizing the consumption of these diterpenes.

The Problem with Diterpenes

Diterpenes, primarily cafestol and kahweol, are fatty substances naturally found in coffee beans. These compounds can interfere with the body's cholesterol metabolism, leading to an increase in serum cholesterol levels. The level of diterpenes in your cup of coffee depends almost entirely on whether a paper filter is used during brewing. Paper filters are highly effective at trapping these oily compounds, preventing them from ending up in your drink. Unfiltered methods, however, do not provide this barrier, allowing the diterpenes to pass directly into your cup and, consequently, your body.

The Best Coffee for Lower Cholesterol: Filtered Brews

If you want to enjoy coffee while managing your cholesterol, filtered brewing methods are the best choice. These methods use paper filters that act as a barrier, trapping the diterpenes and leaving you with a cleaner, heart-friendlier beverage.

Drip Coffee Machine: A standard drip coffee maker is a reliable and popular option for filtered coffee. The paper filter ensures that the vast majority of cafestol and kahweol are removed during the brewing process.
Pour-Over: Manual pour-over methods, such as a Chemex or Hario V60, also rely on a paper filter and are excellent for filtering out diterpenes. The thicker filters of a Chemex can be even more effective at removing these compounds.
AeroPress (with paper filter): When using the AeroPress with a paper filter, it produces a very clean brew with minimal diterpene content. Note that some AeroPress users use a metal filter, which will allow more of the oils to pass through.
Instant Coffee: Instant coffee is another low-diterpene option because it is made from coffee extract that has already been filtered during its production.

Brewing Methods to Moderate or Avoid

Conversely, certain brewing methods should be consumed in moderation, especially if you have high cholesterol, as they do not use paper filters and therefore contain higher levels of diterpenes.

French Press: The mesh filter in a French press does not trap the diterpenes, resulting in a rich-flavored brew that is high in cafestol and kahweol. Regular consumption can significantly increase LDL cholesterol levels.
Boiled Coffee: Traditional Scandinavian boiled coffee or Turkish coffee involves boiling the grounds directly in water. This method results in the highest concentration of cholesterol-raising diterpenes.
Espresso: While the serving size is smaller, espresso is brewed under high pressure without a paper filter, meaning the resulting brew contains moderate to high levels of diterpenes. Moderation is key for espresso drinkers.
Cold Brew: Many cold brew methods involve steeping coffee and water and then straining it, often with a metal filter, which can allow diterpenes to pass through. Using a paper filter for the final strain will help reduce this effect.

Making Your Coffee Heart-Friendly

Beyond the brewing method, what you add to your coffee can also impact your cholesterol. Adding high-fat cream, sugary syrups, or other fattening ingredients can counteract the benefits of drinking filtered coffee. A simple, black cup of filtered coffee is the healthiest option. For those who prefer a richer taste, consider these heart-healthy additions:

Plant-based milks: Opt for low-fat plant-based alternatives like almond, oat, or soy milk instead of full-fat dairy cream.
Spices: Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for flavor without the added sugars or fats.
Healthy fat sources (in moderation): While popular in ketogenic diets, adding butter or coconut oil (bulletproof coffee) will significantly increase saturated fat and raise cholesterol. These should be avoided by individuals with high cholesterol.

Comparison of Coffee Brewing Methods and Cholesterol Impact


Brewing Method	Filter Type	Diterpene Content	Impact on LDL Cholesterol
Drip Coffee	Paper	Very Low	Minimal to None
Pour-Over	Paper (often thick)	Very Low	Minimal to None
AeroPress	Paper	Very Low	Minimal to None
Instant Coffee	N/A (Pre-filtered)	Negligible	None
French Press	Metal Mesh	High	Can Increase Significantly
Turkish / Boiled	None	Highest	Can Increase Significantly
Espresso	None (High Pressure)	Moderate to High	Can Increase Moderately

Conclusion

The research is clear: if you are concerned about your cholesterol, the best type of coffee is one that has been prepared using a paper filter. Drip coffee, pour-over, and instant coffee are excellent choices that effectively remove the cholesterol-raising diterpenes. In contrast, unfiltered methods like French press and boiled coffee should be moderated or avoided to keep LDL levels in check. Combining a filtered brewing method with minimal, heart-healthy additions is the optimal way to enjoy your coffee while protecting your cardiovascular health. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice. For more information, you can read more about recent research on the connection between coffee and cholesterol via health resources like Medstar Health.

Keypoints

Filtered coffee is best: Brewing methods that use paper filters, such as drip coffee or pour-over, are the best choice for managing cholesterol.
Unfiltered methods raise LDL: French press, Turkish, and espresso coffee contain significantly higher levels of cholesterol-raising diterpenes and should be consumed in moderation.
Diterpenes are the culprit: The natural oils in coffee beans contain cafestol and kahweol, compounds that interfere with the body's cholesterol metabolism and increase 'bad' LDL cholesterol.
Choose healthy additives: To keep your coffee heart-healthy, avoid high-fat creams and excessive sugar. Opt for black coffee, plant-based milks, or spices like cinnamon.
Moderation is key: Even with filtered coffee, drinking in moderation (around 3-4 cups daily) is recommended for overall cardiovascular health.
Instant coffee is a good option: Instant coffee is low in diterpenes because it is already filtered during processing, making it a safe choice for cholesterol-conscious individuals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can still drink coffee if you have high cholesterol. The key is to choose filtered varieties, as paper filters remove the cholesterol-raising compounds. Moderate consumption is also recommended.

Instant coffee does not significantly raise cholesterol levels. It is made from coffee extract that is pre-filtered during manufacturing, which removes most of the diterpenes responsible for increasing LDL cholesterol.

Filtered coffee is better for cholesterol because the paper filter traps oily substances called diterpenes (cafestol and kahweol). These compounds are responsible for raising bad (LDL) cholesterol in the body.

Yes, French press coffee can be bad for cholesterol. It uses a metal mesh filter that does not trap the diterpenes. Regular consumption of French press coffee has been shown to raise LDL cholesterol levels.

Espresso can increase cholesterol because it is an unfiltered brewing method. However, due to its small serving size, its overall impact is often less significant than consuming large quantities of other unfiltered coffees like French press or boiled coffee.

Research suggests that roasting can destroy some of the diterpenes in coffee, so a very dark roast may have slightly less than a lighter roast. However, the brewing method is far more influential in determining the final diterpene content.

Moderate consumption of around 3 to 4 cups of filtered coffee per day is generally considered safe for most healthy adults and has been associated with heart health benefits.