Coffee is a popular beverage consumed by millions of people around the world. It’s been linked to several health benefits, including a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes, liver cancer, and Parkinson’s disease.

However, coffee’s impact on cholesterol levels remains a controversial topic.

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a waxy, fat-like substance that’s produced in the liver and found in many foods, including meat, eggs, and dairy products.

Your body needs some cholesterol to function properly, but high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease.

Types of Cholesterol

There are two types of cholesterol: LDL and HDL (good) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is known as the “bad” cholesterol because it can build up in your arteries, leading to blockages.

HDL cholesterol, on the other hand, helps remove LDL cholesterol from your bloodstream, reducing your risk of heart disease.

What Causes High Cholesterol?

Several factors can contribute to high cholesterol levels, including genetics, a high-fat diet, lack of physical activity, obesity, and smoking. While some of these factors are within your control, others are not.

Coffee and Cholesterol

Coffee contains several bioactive compounds, including caffeine, diterpenes, and polyphenols, that may affect cholesterol levels.

Some studies have found that coffee consumption may increase LDL cholesterol levels, while others have found no significant effect.

The Impact of Caffeine

One of the main components of coffee is caffeine, a natural stimulant that can increase blood pressure and heart rate. Some studies have suggested that caffeine may also raise LDL cholesterol levels in some people.

Diterpenes in Coffee

Diterpenes are compounds found in coffee that can affect cholesterol levels. One of the most studied diterpenes in coffee is cafestol, which has been shown to increase LDL cholesterol levels in some studies.

Polyphenols in Coffee

Polyphenols are antioxidants found in coffee that may have a positive impact on health. Some studies have suggested that polyphenols in coffee may help reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

The Bottom Line

The impact of coffee consumption on cholesterol levels remains a controversial topic. While some studies have suggested that coffee consumption may increase LDL cholesterol levels, others have found no significant effect.

More research is needed to fully understand how coffee affects cholesterol levels.