S2Ep38: Is Coffee Raising Your Cholesterol?What the Research Really Says
If you love your coffee a-latte, do you have to give it up to keep your cholesterol low?
Kristi Hujik uncovers the health benefits and risks of coffee consumption. With billions of cups enjoyed daily, coffee's impact on cholesterol is a hot topic. Kristi explores the research around brewing methods and LDL cholesterol and shares the magic number for safe consumption.
A recent overheard conversation led me down a rabbit hole of research, and we’re breaking it all down: the connection between unfiltered coffee and LDL cholesterol, what diterpenes are, and why context matters.
Is your coffee really raising your cholesterol? Only if you’re missing the big picture. From brewing methods to mold content to the water you’re using (yes, even that), I’m unpacking the layers most people aren’t talking about.
Whether you’re a pour-over purist or a French press fanatic, this episode will help you sip smarter—without the fear or the hype.
🔍 What you’ll learn:
What the studies on diterpenes cafestol and kwahnol
How many cups matter (spoiler: it’s more than 3)
Why filtered vs. unfiltered coffee makes a difference
Mold, water quality, and your liver's role in cholesterol
Why functional medicine never relies on just one lab marker
Grab your mug and press play—we’re brewing up some clarity.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:51 Exploring Coffee: Friend or Foe?
01:32 Cholesterol Coffee Connection
03:27 Does Unfiltered Coffee Raise LDL Cholesterol?
05:19 Diterpenes and LDL Cholesterol
07:07 Reasons For Elevated Cholesterol
09:00 Coffee Habits and Health
10:53 Coffee Practical Takeaways
Takeaways
Coffee is the world's most popular beverage, with over 2.25 billion cups consumed daily.
Unfiltered coffee contains diterpenes that can raise LDL cholesterol, especially in high quantities.
Moderation in coffee consumption is essential; less than three cups a day is generally safe no matter the brewing method.
Filtered coffee is associated with lower rates of heart disease and mortality.
Inflammation and other factors can contribute to high cholesterol, not just coffee consumption.
It's important to consider the brewing method and water quality when consuming coffee.
Moldy coffee can introduce mycotoxins that may cause health issues.
Consulting a functional medicine practitioner can help clarify individual health concerns related to cholesterol.
Making small changes, like using paper filters, can mitigate potential risks associated with coffee.
Connect with Kristi Hujik:
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Studies used in this episode
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32320635/
https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/article/27/18/1986/6125530?login=false
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11207153/
Inflammation not Cholesterol link to chronic diseases https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5986484/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11205330/
Study on cancer reducing properties of Cafestol and Kahweol https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9654648/#:~:text=In%20conclusion%2C%20the%20diterpenes%20kahweol,apoptosis%20and%20inhibiting%20cell%20growth.
