The research team concluded that, based on their findings, thoroughly filtered coffee—preferably with paper filters—appears to be the healthiest option for those concerned about cardiovascular health
Do you love sipping freshly brewed coffee at your desk during work? You might want to reconsider, as a new study suggests that your office coffee machine could be raising your cholesterol levels.
The research, led by scientists from Uppsala University and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden, highlights a potentially unexpected health risk associated with workplace coffee machines: they may contribute to higher cholesterol levels. The study, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, found that coffee brewed using automated machines at work contains high levels of natural chemicals called diterpenes—compounds known to increase cholesterol.
Elevated cholesterol is a well-established risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, and the study’s findings suggest that coffee brewed at work could be a significant, though often overlooked, factor in rising cholesterol levels.
The team of researchers examined coffee samples from 14 different machines located in Swedish healthcare facilities. They discovered that the coffee contained notably higher levels of two specific diterpenes: cafestol and kahweol. These compounds are unique to coffee and have been identified in previous studies as substances that may elevate cholesterol levels in the blood. The key to the elevated diterpene levels lies in the coffee-making process. Automated coffee brewing machines, which typically use metal filters, do not trap these compounds, allowing them to pass into the coffee that ends up in your cup. In contrast, paper filters, commonly used in other brewing methods, capture much of the cafestol and kahweol, significantly reducing their presence in the final brew.
The study also compared different types of coffee machines, including traditional brewing machines, liquid-model machines (which mix liquid coffee concentrate with hot water), and instant coffee machines. It was found that the brewing machines—those that use hot water and metal filters to extract coffee—produced the highest concentrations of diterpenes. On the other hand, the liquid-model machines, which use coffee concentrate, had much lower levels of these compounds, roughly equivalent to paper-filtered coffee.
Interestingly, the researchers noted significant variability in diterpene levels in espresso coffee, though they could not explain the variation. This aspect of the study is still under investigation, as it may be important for those who regularly consume espresso.
The research team concluded that, based on their findings, thoroughly filtered coffee—preferably with paper filters—appears to be the healthiest option for those concerned about cardiovascular health. “Given the concentrations of cafestol and kahweol in coffee brewed by workplace machines, filtered coffee seems like the preferable choice for cardiovascular health,” said the study’s lead researchers. “Filtered coffee should be prioritized, especially in office settings.”
The researchers warned that drinking insufficiently filtered coffee during work hours could be an overlooked risk factor for increased cholesterol levels. This could, in turn, have long-term implications for cardiovascular health, particularly for those who consume multiple cups of office coffee each day.
However, the researchers did acknowledge certain limitations in their study. The small sample size of coffee machines analyzed and the lack of detailed information regarding the design of each machine were cited as factors that could influence the findings. They stressed the need for more extensive studies to confirm the link between coffee brewing methods and cardiovascular health, particularly in relation to cholesterol levels.
As for office coffee lovers, the takeaway from the study is clear: if you care about your cholesterol, it may be time to rethink how your coffee is brewed. For those who prefer their coffee strong and fast, it might be wise to consider alternatives that use paper filters or opt for brewing methods that minimize exposure to harmful diterpenes.
With this new research in mind, workplaces may want to consider offering filtered coffee options to help safeguard their employees’ cardiovascular health
