We all have cholesterol. It is a naturally occurring waxy substance produced by our bodies. There are two main types of cholesterol,
Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, also called "bad" cholesterol. LDL carries cholesterol into your arteries.
High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, also called "good" cholesterol. HDL carries cholesterol away from your arteries to your liver. It is better to have more HDL than LDL for obvious reasons.
If your doctor determines that you have high cholesterol, you will likely need to take cholesterol-reducing medication and follow specific advice regarding your diet and life style. Research shows consistently that, by eating the right foods, getting enough exercise and taking care of yourself, you can reduce the chance of dying from heart disease by an incredible 80 percent.
For coffee lovers, understanding how coffee may help you lower your cholesterol is important so you continue drinking and enjoying your coffee.
There are two substances in coffee, kahweol and cafestol that raise cholesterol levels.
Cafestol and kahweol are fat-soluble compounds referred to as diterpenes, which are present in the oil derived from coffee beans.
It is interesting to note that Arabica beans contain both cafestol and kahweol.
Robusta beans, however, contain only about half as much cafestol and almost no kahweol.
Both compounds, cafestol and kahweol, are extracted by hot water but are retained by a paper filter.
For this reason, when comparing the levels of cafestol and kahweol in filtered coffee, percolated coffee and instant coffee, the levels of these compounds are very low.
In contrast, Turkish coffee, French press coffee (cafeti?re) and Scandinavian boiled coffee contain fairly high levels of cafestol and kahweol per cup.
What is the benefit of paper filters?
During the brewing process, paper filters capture these substances.
Paper filers, in this case, help in the prevention of harmful cholesterol levels.
Literally, you can say that a paper filter is worth a "pound of cure" or so.
Coffee drinkers who drink non-filtered coffees such as "lattes," which do not use paper filters, may want to reconsider their choice and frequency of beverage for their own health benefit.
In addition to coffee filters, managing eating habits and diet become excellent strategies to lower cholesterol. Without any doubt, what we eat does make a difference in lowering cholesterol. For example, whole grains, olive oil, cinnamon, fresh orange juice, several small meals every day instead of one or two large ones, oatmeal for breakfast, and other similar advice are good recommendations to control cholesterol. Controlled clinical trials and scientific coffee research findings show that coffee lowers chronic inflammation and raises the "good" HDL cholesterol.
Obviously, always follow your physician's advice regarding any medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics or special dietary plans for you. Coffee, home remedies or natural medications may help in relieving specific conditions but you should always listen to your health practitioner first and be a good patient.
Go ahead and drink coffee. In the process, you may derive some health benefits. Try 100% Arabica bean Cinnamon Gourmet Flavored coffee!
Timothy ("Tim") S. Collins, the author, is called by those who know him "The Gourmet Coffee Guy."
He is an expert in article writing who has done extensive research online and offline in his area of expertise, coffee marketing, as well as in other areas of personal and professional interest.
Come visit the author's website: ourgourmetcoffee.com ourgourmetcoffee.com
? Copyright - Timothy S. Collins. All Rights Reserved Worldwide
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