Love French press coffee? It might be increasing your cholesterol without you knowing

For many coffee lovers, the French press is seen as the purest and most flavourful way to brew. Its rich aroma and full-bodied taste make it a favourite for those who value the ritual of brewing as much as the coffee itself. But beneath its classic charm, science has begun to question its impact on heart health . Researchers are finding that unfiltered coffee , like that made in a French press, contains compounds that may quietly raise cholesterol levels . Understanding how brewing methods alter the chemistry of your cup and how those changes affect your body reveals why the way you brew matters far more than most people realise.











Harvard expert warns: Your coffee brewing method could raise cholesterol



According to Harvard doctor-scientist Dr Trisha in a Washington Post video, the way coffee is brewed can directly influence your cholesterol levels. The key lies in naturally occurring compounds called diterpenes, particularly cafestol and kahweol. These oily substances, found in coffee beans, can raise LDL cholesterol, the “bad” type associated with heart disease.

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A French press or espresso machine allows these oils to pass freely into your cup because they lack paper filters. In contrast, paper filters trap most of these diterpenes before they reach your mug. Over time, that seemingly small difference makes a measurable impact on health. Several studies have shown that people who regularly drink un filtered coffee tend to have higher cholesterol levels than those who stick to filtered coffee. The brewing method, rather than the amount of coffee itself, seems to make the biggest difference.










Filtered coffee keeps antioxidants, cuts cholesterol risk



The difference between filtered and unfiltered coffee goes beyond flavour; it’s about what ends up in your bloodstream. French press coffee feels thick and aromatic because it retains fine particles and oils that give it richness. Unfortunately, those same oils carry diterpenes that interfere with the body’s ability to regulate cholesterol.



Filtered coffee, such as drip or pour-over, uses paper filters that remove nearly all these compounds. Research published in Journal of Internal Medicine found that people who drank filtered coffee had a lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease than those who drank unfiltered brews. The filters remove harmful oils but still allow beneficial antioxidants, such as chlorogenic acids, to pass through. These antioxidants support better blood sugar regulation and reduce inflammation, which is linked to chronic diseases. This combination makes filtered coffee a far healthier everyday choice.








What do experiments reveal about unfiltered coffee



The study investigated the effects of unfiltered coffee using a model of metabolic syndrome, a condition tied to obesity and high-fat diets. The researchers found that unfiltered coffee improved insulin sensitivity and helped control weight gain in test subjects. However, it also contained diterpenes that raised cholesterol, counteracting some of the benefits.



This finding shows that coffee’s health effects depend on its chemical complexity. Some compounds, like antioxidants, improve metabolic health, while others, like diterpenes, work against it. The researchers concluded that coffee itself isn’t inherently harmful, but the brewing method determines whether its effects are beneficial or risky. Leaving it unfiltered can tip the balance towards harm, particularly for those already dealing with elevated cholesterol or heart issues.







Can coffee still be good for you



Absolutely. Coffee remains one of the world’s most widely studied and beneficial beverages. It is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols that help protect cells, boost alertness, and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline. Yet the cholesterol paradox reminds us that not all coffee delivers the same benefits. Unfiltered coffee can raise LDL cholesterol by up to 8–10 percent in regular drinkers, according to several long-term studies.



For people at risk of heart disease, even a small, consistent rise in LDL cholesterol can increase long-term cardiovascular risk. Filtered coffee offers a better alternative; it maintains the antioxidants and caffeine while eliminating most diterpenes. As Dr Trisha noted, people who regularly drink filtered coffee tend to live longer than both non-coffee drinkers and those who prefer unfiltered methods like the French press. In short, it’s not about giving up coffee; it’s about brewing it smarter.








What’s the smartest way to brew coffee for your health



If you enjoy coffee but care about your heart, the solution is simple: use a paper filter. Drip coffee makers, pour-over cones, and paper-filtered cold brews all retain the energising caffeine and beneficial plant compounds without the cholesterol-raising oils. Even instant coffee fits this healthier profile, since it’s filtered during production.



Switching from a French press doesn’t mean sacrificing taste. Many modern paper filters allow full-bodied flavour and aroma while keeping your coffee clearer and lighter. The change might feel small, but over months and years, it can make a significant difference to heart health.



Coffee culture celebrates individuality and ritual, but science now adds an important layer of awareness. A minor tweak in your brewing method could influence your long-term wellbeing more than you’d expect. So, the next time you reach for your French press, pause for a moment and ask yourself; is your coffee as heart-friendly as it could be?











Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, medication, or lifestyle.









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