The way you brew coffee can have significant health effects, according to multiple scientific studies.
As he writes “Science Friday“, a large study conducted in Norway involving more than half a million people made an important discovery. It turned out that adults who drank unfiltered coffee were more likely to die within twenty years compared to those who preferred filtered coffee or coffee altogether. And there are two main culprits in this story – two compounds found in coffee known as cafestol and kahweol, which are largely removed when coffee is filtered. These compounds are associated with increased levels of bad cholesterol (LDL), which, in in turn, is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Interestingly, among the different coffee brewing methods, Scandinavian brewed coffee, French press and Turkish coffee were the leaders in the content of these terpenoids. While instant, percolated (filtered) and filter coffee contain the least amount of these compounds. Unfiltered coffee contains thirty times more cafestol and kahweol than filtered coffee.
This has led to research into the effectiveness of different types of filters in retaining these harmful compounds. Through careful research, it was found that when used in automatic drip coffee makers, both paper and metal filters are equally effective at retaining most terpenoids, preventing them from getting into the drink. However, a difference was noted when preparing coffee using the pour-over method. When using metal mesh filters, the content of these compounds was higher than when using the same filter in an automatic drip coffee maker. This is probably due to the fact that in automatic coffee makers, water flows more slowly, and a thick layer of filtration is formed at the bottom, which further retains these compounds.
For those who prefer the convenience of coffee capsules, there is good news. The capsules already have a paper filter built into them, so they contain cafestol and kahweol content comparable to coffee prepared using other paper or metal mesh filters in automatic drip coffee makers or the pour-over method.
A study was conducted in the UK involving more than 170 thousand people to identify the connection between coffee consumption and mortality. The study found a “golden mean” – people who consumed 2.5 to 4.5 cups of coffee per day died 29% less often than those who did not drink coffee. This is consistent with findings from a larger analysis of studies that found drinking 3-4 cups of coffee a day reduced the risk of death by about 17% compared with non-coffee drinkers.
Before this, doctors called an unusual sign of coffee abuse.
2023-10-28 06:14:40
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