Who would have thought – how you brew coffee can increase your cholesterol. Electric drip? Espresso? French press? Which method is better? Which pot is better?
According to Delicious Living, a free magazine available at health food stores, there’s a connection between coffee and cholesterol. Unfiltered coffee – that’s espresso and “boiled” coffee – can increase cholesterol in women 10% and in men 8%. So your Starbucks espresso drink may be giving you more than just a slight buzz. And your home brew may be a bit of a hazard.
The article quotes Rob van Dam, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School who said that the “oily sheen on unfiltered coffee contains up to eight times more coffee-specific fatty acids, one of which – cafestol – stimulates LDL (bad) cholesterol.” According to Delicious Living, brewing coffee in a pot that has a paper filter eliminates most oils and cafestol.
For those of you who use a conventional electric coffee machine with a paper filter, you’re in the clear. For those who like espresso, or using the French press method, and are concerned about cholesterol, it is better to treat yourself to something like the method on the right. You can make it as strong as you like and not worry, at least about cafestol. (Having switched from espresso to the pot with the filter on the right, I can say that the flavor is actually better. So it’s a win-win.)
So coffee and cholesterol doesn’t have to be a problem if you know how to brew.
Story and photo by Bojinka Bishop
See Comments. Click here. Share your ideas and comments. Click here.
Related stories:
- Solo Dinners: Treat YourselfCereal for dinner? No way. You deserve a lovely meal. Cooking for yourself has many advantages. You can 1) eat what you really enjoy, without catering to other’s tastes, 2) save money, it’s cheaper than eating out or buying prepared foods, ...
- Sweet TreatFestive and delicious, chocolate covered strawberries are an easy spring and summer dessert (or anytime treat). Talk yourself into it… after all, you’ll be eating fruit! You’ll feel pampered – or like you’re at a 5-star restaurant. Either way – they are easy to make and delicious to eat....
- Going to the hospital – ambulance vs. driving Sometimes it’s better to take an ambulance to the hospital than have a friend drive you in an emergency. It may sound scary and lonely, but it maybe better for you. Why?...
- DePaulo highlights 2012 media on singles/solosBella DePaulo showcases recent media coverage of the growing phenomenon of solo- and single-hood in her most recent blog....
Comment(s) on Some coffee increases cholesterol
FlyingHighSolo.com
Celebrating special people, good ideas, and useful actionsSubscribe
Keep on top of what's new – subscribe to Flying High Solo! You'll get a brief email alerting you to new articles. (Your email is safe -- we will not share it with anyone).
What readers are saying
"amazing variety of topics"
"an intelligent, strong, creative, eclectic approach .... that we don't get a chance to read everyday"
"very cool and intelligent"
Highly Recommended
Bella DePaulo's blog for Psychology Today, "the truth about singlism..." News, analysis, facts, and stories about being single in America
[…] Clink on the link below to see the infograph. You can also browse this site for stories on what coffee is best those watching their cholesterol, and some other healthy […]