It’s no surprise that French press coffee is famous because of its rich flavor, aromatic scent, and convenient brewing process. Even the brewing process enhances the morning coffee experience long before the first sip. Could it increase your cholesterol?
There are many ways to do French press, but the process is as follows: Add ground coffee beans to your French press container, add hot water, steep, and strain out the grounds with your metal filter. Pour your coffee, and that’s it.
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A study suggests unfiltered coffee may cause LDL cholesterol levels to rise – a waxy and fat-like substance that builds up in arteries. Dietitian Emma Laing says mesh filters eliminate the need for paper filters and allow the ground coffee to be pressed into the bottom of the pitcher. “This is what gives the finished product that bold flavor.” Here’s how:
How to French Press Coffee Affects Cholesterol
However, when consumed in large amounts, oily compounds released by coffee beans during steeping, called diterpenes, can elevate blood cholesterol levels. Paper coffee filters used in other brewing methods capture diterpenes to prevent them from entering the coffee. French press coffee contains significantly more diterpenes than filtered or instant coffee.
French Press Coffee With Minimal Cholesterol Effects
Adding anything to French press coffee to enhance its taste will depend on how much you drink daily. Lating said, “For many individuals, enjoying coffee as part of an overall balanced eating pattern shouldn’t raise cholesterol, nor should it raise a health concern.” Drinking one to four cups of French press coffee daily should not harm your health. Consume less caffeine if you have a heart condition, are pregnant, or take medications that affect cholesterol.
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What We Can Learn From These Studies
Lating said, “There are important considerations when evaluating French press coffee and cholesterol studies results. The coffee itself, the health and demographics of the study subjects, the additions they make to their coffee, and the medications they use are all important factors.”