Many avid coffee drinkers have wondered whether this sacred habit might somehow affect their already high cholesterol levels. The combination of coffee and cholesterol, after all, is a widely discussed issue, to the point that it has been the subject of research.
When cholesterol levels in the blood exceed 240 mg, in fact, a condition called ‘hypercholesterolaemia’ sets in, which, if neglected, can cause serious damage to the body, primarily to the heart. But does coffee really affect this condition?
Apparently, it would seem so, at least according to the results of Norwegian research. Appearances, however, are often deceptive and we, who know about coffee, wanted to get to the bottom of the matter and find out once and for all how things really are.
Coffee and cholesterol: what research says
It seems that Norwegian scientists were the first to point out a link between coffee intake and increased cholesterol levels. Through a study entitled ‘Tromsoe Hearth Study’, carried out on 14500 people who habitually drank boiled and unfiltered coffee, a correlation between the two factors did indeed emerge.
However, this correlation clearly only existed when the coffee was prepared in a specific way, i.e. boiled and unfiltered – exactly the way it was consumed by the people in the study.
This led the scientists to focus not so much on the beverage itself, but on how it was prepared, thus coming to the conclusion that coffee per se is not bad for you, as it all depends on how it is consumed.
Coffee raises cholesterol, but depends on preparation
But why would boiled, unfiltered coffee contribute to higher cholesterol levels? Well, the answer lies in a specific substance contained in this drink, called cafestol. This is a molecule that, when present in large quantities, interacts negatively with the body and thus ends up raising cholesterol levels in the blood.
Indeed, cafestol has the power to inhibit the production of certain bile acids. The problem is that it is precisely through bile that our body disposes of excess cholesterol. When its production is blocked, therefore, this cholesterol inevitably ends up being ‘trapped’ inside the body, with all that this entails.
We are therefore talking about a potentially risky situation, which can easily be solved at the root by avoiding boiled and unfiltered coffee. In order to continue to enjoy our favourite beverage without any fear, in fact, it is sufficient to prepare it with the Moka, or opt for the classic espresso: two methods of preparation that, although they do not completely eliminate the cafestol, still contain very little of it.
Coffee has beneficial effects on certain diseases
Contrary to what was thought for a long time, coffee is not only not bad for you, but is even helpful in the treatment and prevention of certain diseases, one of which is diabetes.
Thanks to its digestive properties, in fact, this beverage is able to favour the metabolization of carbohydrates that, if taken in excessive doses, contribute to the increase in glycaemia, in turn responsible for the onset of diabetes. Taking bitter coffee, however, helps prevent this chain process from occurring.
In addition to this, coffee’s antioxidant properties have been shown to be excellent for both preventing liver disease and keeping the heart healthy. But that’s not all: this drink also acts as an excellent vasoconstrictor, making it a great remedy against migraine. And, still on the subject of diseases affecting the brain, several studies have pointed out that caffeine intake may even help prevent Parkinson’s disease.
In conclusion, therefore, coffee can indeed be a valuable ally for the cure, prevention and treatment of various types, it being understood that its curative power only applies as long as one does not overdo with the quantities. This is why we who know about coffee (and especially love it!) are the first to urge you to drink it in moderation, respecting the correct daily doses.
Recommended doses
At this point, you are probably rightly wondering how much the correct amount of coffee is, or, to put it more simply, how many cups of coffee you are allowed to drink in a day.
Well, notwithstanding the fact that a lot depends on various personal factors, such as gender, age and body weight, it is generally recommended not to exceed 300 milligrams per day, which roughly corresponds to about 3 cups of coffee.
As long as you keep within this threshold, in fact, coffee will be your best friend, giving you all the energy, you need and helping you fight off the onset of many diseases. Exceeding it, on the contrary, means incurring a series of unpleasant side effects, such as anxiety, insomnia, tachycardia, nausea and stomach problems.
All this goes to show you that, although the correlation between cholesterol and coffee only applies when coffee is consumed boiled and unfiltered, there are still many other health risks that you can run into just by overdosing on your favourite espresso.
Conclusion
Coffee, the cross and delight of anyone who loves it, represents an indispensable pleasure, without which we would not even be able to start the day. Beyond all its positive and negative aspects, however, what really interests us is its unmistakable taste: strong and intense as only real coffee can be. And the great thing is that you don’t have to go to a café at all to taste it.
The secret, in fact, is that if you want to drink a good coffee, you should do it with the right machine, such as a lever machine: a real professional tool that will allow you to drink a coffee with a truly intense and satisfying aroma, enjoyed in the quiet intimacy of your own home.
To enjoy this privilege, therefore, all you have to do is browse our extensive catalogue and discover the right coffee machine for you. After all, we have amply demonstrated that, consumed in the right doses, this beverage acts as a true ‘medicine’. So why should you deprive yourself of a pleasure that not only makes your taste buds sing, but also helps to preserve your health?