A recent study conducted by researchers from Uppsala University and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden has uncovered a surprising link between office coffee brewing machines and elevated cholesterol levels. The findings, published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism and Cardiovascular Diseases, highlight the potential health risks associated with certain types of coffee machines commonly found in workplaces.
The study examined 14 coffee machines in Swedish healthcare facilities and found significantly higher levels of cafestol and kahweol—natural compounds known as diterpenes—in coffee brewed using metal filters. These compounds are known to raise low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “bad cholesterol,” which is a key risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Unlike paper filters that trap these compounds, metal filters allow them to pass into the coffee.
Researchers noted that brewing machines, which produce coffee in 10-30 seconds by passing hot water through ground beans and a metal filter, showed the highest diterpene levels. In contrast, liquid-model machines and paper-filtered coffee contained much lower levels of these cholesterol-raising compounds.
The study emphasizes the importance of choosing thoroughly filtered coffee, especially in workplace settings, to mitigate potential cardiovascular health risks. While the findings are based on a small sample size, they underscore the need for further research to explore the long-term impact of unfiltered coffee consumption.
As coffee remains a staple in office culture, this study serves as a wake-up call for employers and employees alike to consider healthier brewing alternatives. Switching to paper-filtered coffee could be a simple yet effective step toward better heart health.
