According to a new study, the brewing method and the gender of the drinker may be important in the association between coffee and elevated cholesterol.
The widest gender difference seen in espresso. Plunger (Cafe Tierre) The narrowest for coffee.
Drinker gender and brewing methods may be key to the association of coffee with elevated cholesterol, a known risk factor for heart disease, a study published in an open access journal on May 10, 2022. Suggests Open heart.
Drinking espresso was associated with the widest gender differences in cholesterol levels. Research shows that plunger (cafetier) coffee was associated with the narrowest one.
Naturally occurring chemicals in coffee (diterpenes, cafestol, kahweol) raise blood cholesterol levels. The brewing method is influential, but it is not clear how espresso coffee can affect and how much.
Therefore, researchers wanted to compare espresso coffee to other brewing methods for adults over the age of 40 (mean age 56).
Drinking 3-5 glasses of espresso daily was significantly associated with an increase in serum total cholesterol, especially in men.
They responded to the 7th survey of the 2015-16 Tromso survey, a long-term census initiated in 1974, targeting the inhabitants of the Norwegian city of Tromso (11074 women, 11074 women). We used the data of 10009 men).
Participants were asked how many cups of coffee they drank each day. None, 1-2 glasses. 3-5; 6 or more (and the brewing types they drank) were filtered. Plunger (cafetière); espresso from coffee machines, pods, mocha pots and more. And instant.
Blood samples were taken and height and weight were measured. Information on potentially influential factors was also sought. Diet and lifestyle such as smoking, drinking and physical activity. Education; Whether type 2 diabetes has been diagnosed.
Women drank an average of just under four cups of coffee each day, while men drank nearly five cups on average.
Analysis of the data showed that the association between coffee and serum total cholesterol varied depending on the brewing method, with significant gender differences for all brewing types except plunger coffee.
“Coffee is the most frequently consumed central nervous system stimulant in the world. Due to the high consumption of coffee, even the slightest health effects can have significant health effects.”
Drinking 3-5 glasses of espresso daily was significantly associated with an increase in serum total cholesterol, especially in men.
This consumption pattern was associated with 0.09 mmol / l higher serum cholesterol among women compared to those who drank nothing. vs 0.16 mmol / l higher among men.
Daily tabulations for 6 or more cups of plunger coffee were also associated with elevated cholesterol and were similar for both men and women: 0.30 mmol / liter higher among women. vs 0.23 mmol / liter higher among men.
And drinking more than 6 cups of filter coffee daily was associated with 0.11 mmol / l higher cholesterol among women when compared to those who did not drink filter coffee, but was associated with men. did not.
Convenience coffee was associated with an increase in cholesterol in both men and women, but this did not increase in parallel with the number of cups drank when compared to those who did not choose coffee powder / granules.
Researchers point out that there was no standardized cup size used in their study. For example, Norwegians tend to drink larger espresso cups than Italians.
Different types of espresso, such as coffee machines, capsules, and mocha pots, can also contain different levels of major natural chemicals.
And there is still no clear explanation for the gender mismatch in the cholesterol response to drinking coffee, they add.
“Interestingly, coffee contains more than a thousand different phytochemicals. The intake of each compound also depends on the type of coffee, the degree of roasting, the type of brewing method, and the serving size. “They explain.
Experimental studies have shown that cafestol and kahweol not only increase total cholesterol, but also have anti-inflammatory effects, protect the liver, and reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes.
“This shows how coffee contains compounds that can lead to multiple mechanisms that work at the same time,” the researchers emphasize.
And they say: “Coffee is the most frequently consumed central nervous system stimulant in the world. Due to the high consumption of coffee, even the slightest health effects can have significant health effects.”
Reference: “Relationship between espresso coffee and serum total cholesterol: Tromso Research 2015–2016” May 10, 2022, Open heart..
DOI: 10.1136 / openhrt-2021-00194
Funding: Norwegian Northern Community Health Department; Norwegian Research Council; Norwegian Council on Cardiovascular Disease
