A new study from Norway suggests that the way coffee is brewed—and whether the drinker is male or female—may affect how much it raises cholesterol levels, a known risk factor for heart disease.
The research was published in the journal Open Heart and involved over 21,000 adults aged 40 and older.
Researchers were especially interested in espresso coffee, which is becoming more popular but whose health effects are still not fully understood.
Previous studies had shown that certain natural compounds in coffee—called diterpenes, including cafestol and kahweol—can increase cholesterol in the blood. However, how much these substances end up in your cup depends on the brewing method.
The researchers used data from the long-running Tromsø Study, which began in 1974 and follows residents of the Norwegian city of Tromsø. In the 2015–2016 survey, participants were asked how many cups of coffee they drank each day and what brewing method they used.
They also gave blood samples and information about their lifestyle, diet, exercise habits, education, and whether they had type 2 diabetes.
The study included 11,074 women and 10,009 men, with an average age of 56. Women reported drinking nearly 4 cups of coffee per day on average, while men drank about 5.
Researchers looked at different coffee types: filtered coffee, plunger (or cafetière/French press) coffee, espresso (from machines, pods, mocha pots), and instant coffee.
Here’s what they found:
- Espresso drinkers who had 3–5 cups daily showed the largest difference between men and women in cholesterol levels. Compared to people who drank no espresso, cholesterol was 0.09 mmol/L higher in women and 0.16 mmol/L higher in men.
- Drinking 6 or more cups of plunger coffee daily also raised cholesterol—by 0.30 mmol/L in women and 0.23 mmol/L in men.
- For filtered coffee, drinking 6 or more cups a day raised cholesterol in women only (by 0.11 mmol/L), but not in men.
- Instant coffee increased cholesterol slightly in both sexes, but the increase didn’t go up with the number of cups drunk.
Interestingly, plunger coffee showed the smallest difference between men and women, while espresso showed the largest. The reason behind these gender differences isn’t clear yet.
The researchers also noted that their study did not control for cup size. Norwegians, for example, may drink larger espresso servings than people in other countries. Plus, espresso made from different machines or pods may vary in how much cafestol and kahweol they contain.
They also pointed out that coffee is complex, containing over a thousand plant compounds. These include phytochemicals that may have both positive and negative effects on health. While cafestol and kahweol can raise cholesterol, experimental studies show they might also lower inflammation, protect the liver, and reduce risks of cancer and diabetes.
This means that coffee may influence the body in many ways at once—not just by affecting cholesterol.
Review and Analysis
This study adds to the growing body of research suggesting that how coffee is made—and who is drinking it—matters for health. The finding that men seem more affected than women by espresso in terms of cholesterol is surprising and not yet fully understood. It raises new questions for future studies, such as how genetics, hormones, or metabolism might play a role.
Another key takeaway is that filtered coffee remains the best option for people concerned about their cholesterol levels, especially men. Using a paper filter helps remove most of the diterpenes that raise cholesterol. Espresso and French press coffee, which do not use paper filters, may be best enjoyed in moderation—especially if you’re drinking several cups a day.
The study’s limitations include a lack of precise measurement for cup size and the fact that people self-reported their coffee habits. Still, with over 21,000 participants, the research is large enough to offer useful insights.
Because coffee is so widely consumed, even small changes in its health impact could have big effects on public health, especially for those who drink it multiple times a day.
The study doesn’t say people need to stop drinking coffee, but it does suggest that switching to a better brewing method—like drip-filter coffee—could be a simple way to protect heart health without giving up the drink altogether.
If you care about nutrition, please read studies about the power of beetroot juice, and the risks of mixing medications with dietary supplements.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to boost iron intake: natural solutions for anemia, and results showing vitamin K may lower your heart disease risk by a third.
The research findings can be found in Open Heart.
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