Espresso drinks are a popular choice for many coffee drinkers, but a new study has shown that they could also be linked to higher levels of cholesterol in men. The research conducted by scientists at UiT, The Arctic University of Norway in Tromsø, looked at how consuming espresso affected cholesterol levels in both men and women.
It found that drinking one cup of espresso every day increased bad cholesterol (LDL) levels in men but not in women. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, they suggest that espresso lovers should be careful about their caffeine intake if they want to keep their cholesterol levels under control.
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Previous research has shown increases in total cholesterol for both sexes from boiled and plunged coffee. Coffee drinking was also linked to increased total cholesterol for women who drink filtered coffee. These findings suggest that coffee drinkers should be aware of the types of coffee they are drinking to minimize the risk of increasing their cholesterol levels.
This new study included 21,083 people with an average age of 56.4 years from theTromsø Study in Northern Norway. The researchers looked at the relationship between each level of coffee drinking and serum total cholesterol levels. Gender data was also collected to examine the difference between the findings. The reference group was made up of those who did not drink coffee.
The study concluded that drinking 3 to 5 cups of espresso each day had a link to increased cholesterol levels for both men and women. Still, there was more of a significant relationship among men. Consuming 6 or more cups of plunger/boiled coffee each day also had an effect on greater serum total cholesterol for men and women compared with people who did not drink any coffee prepared this way.
Women who consumed six or more cups of filtered coffee each day were linked with total cholesterol levels, but this increase was not found among men. For both men and women, drinking instant coffee was associated with higher cholesterol, but there was no relationship with how much was consumed.
Coffee is one of the most consumed stimulants in the world. With the number of people consuming the beverage and illness and disease rates rising globally, it is important to understand its effects on health. Even small health effects from coffee could have considerable health consequences, so it is an important topic for research.
David Kao, MD, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, suggests using fewer high-fat dairy products in coffee to help keep cholesterol levels down. “I would also suggest looking at the HDL, which is good, versus LDL, which is bad, rather than just the total in a case like this. If the change is all due to increased good HDL, then that is actually desirable.”
He also suggests that researchers look at other diet and lifestyle habits linked to coffee consumption when studying coffee intake. He points out that excessive fatigue may indicate another condition like sleep apnea.
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As more studies are done on coffee consumption, the health risks associated with the popular beverage become more apparent. These studies are vital to helping understand who may be more at risk for effects such as increased cholesterol levels.
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Whether you are an espresso drinker or not, it is essential to take steps to help reduce cholesterol levels. Clinical Strength Cholesterol Support uses multiple herbal extracts and vitamins to support and improve cardiovascular and cholesterol health while reducing free radical damage.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
