I knew there was something to coffee oils, I just couldn't put my finger on it. I get most of my coffee from drip brewers, both at home and at work. I drink so much coffee that I'd be pressing all day long, morning to night. So, I just use a french press occasionally for myself.
Here is an excerpt taken from
www.pharmacy.auburn.edu
Beans for thought…
The debate over whether or not coffee is good or bad for your health has been going on for years.
While many attribute the possible negative effects on coffee to its caffeine content,
studies have
been published that link coffee consumption to increased LDL-cholesterol. It has been found
substances in unfiltered coffee (such as French-press coffee, Turkish coffee, or Scandinavian
boiled coffee, or coffee prepared in a percolator), specifically two diterpenes, cafestol and
kahweol,
can cause an increase in LDL-cholesterol levels when consumed over long periods of time.1,2,3,4
The mechanism of how these two compounds increase LDL cholesterol is unknown; one theory is that
cafestol may suppress bile acid synthesis, causing an increased amount of regulatory cholesterol, which
results in a decreased expression of hepatic LDL receptors, increasing levels of LDL-cholesterol.1
Studies show that filtered coffee (what most Americans consume) diminishes the risk of increased LDL cholesterol
caused by cafestol and kahweol because they are trapped by the paper filter.5 Studies are
ongoing to examine the effects of coffee – filtered and unfiltered – on cholesterol levels.
Now, in my opinion (this is me now,
caffe biscotto), you can balance out this extra cholesterol intake by:
1.) Eating less red meat. Replace with poultry and fish (yummy salmon).
2.) Grilling your foods instead of frying in oils that are high in saturated fats.
3.) Cutting back on dairy, mainly whole milks.
4.) Adding more fiber to your diet. Whole grains and cereals such as oats, corn and whole grain rice have been shown to reduce cholesterol levels.
5.) Exercising (obviously).
6.) Red Red Wine. It's okay to drink red wine once in awhile, it can lower cholesterol. In some countries, tradition is a glass or so per day at or after dinner. :wink: