Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, and for many people, it is part of their daily routine. Some enjoy it for the taste, while others rely on it for energy and focus.
Over the years, scientists have studied coffee closely and found that it can have both positive and negative effects on health.
A new study from Norway now suggests that the way coffee is prepared, as well as whether the drinker is male or female, may influence how it affects cholesterol levels in the body.
Cholesterol is a type of fat found in the blood. While the body needs some cholesterol to function properly, high levels can increase the risk of heart disease. Because heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, understanding factors that influence cholesterol is very important.
The new research was published in the journal Open Heart and included more than 21,000 adults aged 40 and older. The scientists used data from the Tromsø Study, a long-term health project that has been tracking people in Norway since 1974.
In the 2015 to 2016 survey, participants were asked about their coffee drinking habits, including how many cups they drank each day and how the coffee was prepared.
The study included over 11,000 women and 10,000 men, with an average age of 56. Women reported drinking about four cups of coffee each day, while men drank about five cups on average. The researchers examined several types of coffee, including filtered coffee, plunger coffee, espresso, and instant coffee.
One reason scientists are interested in coffee is that it contains natural substances called diterpenes, including cafestol and kahweol. These compounds can raise cholesterol levels.
However, the amount that ends up in your cup depends on how the coffee is brewed. Methods that do not use a paper filter, such as espresso and French press, tend to allow more of these substances to pass into the drink.
The findings showed that espresso had a noticeable effect on cholesterol levels, especially when consumed in larger amounts. People who drank three to five cups of espresso each day had higher cholesterol compared to those who did not drink espresso. The increase was greater in men than in women, although both were affected.
Plunger coffee, also known as French press coffee, was also linked to higher cholesterol levels, particularly in people who drank six or more cups daily. In this case, both men and women showed increases, although the difference between the sexes was smaller than with espresso.
Filtered coffee, which uses a paper filter, appeared to have a smaller impact. Even when people drank large amounts, the effect on cholesterol was limited, and in some cases, it was only seen in women. Instant coffee showed only a slight increase in cholesterol, and this did not change much with higher consumption.
One interesting part of the study is that men seemed to be more affected by espresso than women. The reason for this difference is not yet clear. It may be related to differences in body chemistry, hormones, or how the body processes certain compounds. More research is needed to understand why this happens.
The researchers also noted that the study had some limitations. For example, participants reported their own coffee intake, which may not always be completely accurate. The size of each cup was also not measured, and coffee preparation methods can vary widely. Despite these limitations, the large number of participants makes the findings valuable.
It is also important to remember that coffee contains many different compounds, not just those that raise cholesterol. Some of these substances may have health benefits, such as reducing inflammation or protecting the liver. This means that coffee can have a mix of effects on the body.
Overall, the study suggests that the way coffee is made can make a difference to heart health. Using a paper filter may help reduce the amount of cholesterol-raising compounds in the drink. For people who enjoy espresso or French press coffee, it may be wise to consume it in moderation, especially if they drink several cups a day.
This research does not mean that people need to stop drinking coffee altogether. Instead, it highlights the importance of being aware of how daily habits can affect health. Small changes, such as choosing a different brewing method, may help reduce risk without giving up something you enjoy.
As scientists continue to study coffee and its effects, they are learning that even common foods and drinks can have complex impacts on the body. Paying attention to these details can help people make better choices for their long-term health.
If you care about heart health, please read studies about top 10 foods for a healthy heart, and how to eat right for heart rhythm disorders.
For more health information, please see recent studies about how to eat your way to cleaner arteries, and salt and heart health: does less really mean more?
Copyright © 2026 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
