Triglycerides are lipids that circulate in the bloodstream, serving as the body’s primary form of stored energy. Excess calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. While necessary for health, high levels of these fat molecules can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke by contributing to the hardening of artery walls. The question of whether coffee consumption influences these fat levels requires examining the beverage’s natural components and preparation methods.
Understanding Diterpenes and Lipid Impact
The potential for coffee to raise blood triglycerides lies in naturally occurring compounds called diterpenes. The two most studied diterpenes are cafestol and kahweol, which are oily substances extracted during the brewing process. Studies have established a connection between the consumption of coffee containing these compounds and an increase in both cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood.
Cafestol, in particular, is noted for its ability to affect lipid metabolism in the liver. Specifically, it increases the production rate of very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) particles. VLDL is the main particle responsible for transporting triglycerides synthesized in the liver out to the body’s tissues.
By increasing the assembly and release of these VLDL particles, cafestol directly drives up the concentration of triglycerides circulating in the plasma. This mechanism provides a clear, biological basis for coffee’s potential to affect blood fat levels. The diterpene kahweol also contributes to this effect, although cafestol is generally considered the more potent of the two in raising serum lipid levels.
The Role of Brewing Method
The most significant factor determining the amount of diterpenes in your cup is the method used to prepare the coffee. Diterpenes are oily, and the key is whether the brewing equipment employs a paper filter to separate these compounds from the final beverage. Unfiltered brewing methods allow the majority of the diterpenes to pass directly into the drink, maximizing their concentration.
Methods like the French press, boiled coffee (such as Turkish or Scandinavian styles), and sometimes espresso, result in the highest concentrations of cafestol and kahweol. Consequently, regular consumption of these types of coffee is most strongly associated with elevated blood lipid levels.
In contrast, methods that use a paper filter, such as standard drip machines, pour-over devices (like Chemex or V60), and the AeroPress, effectively trap the oily diterpenes. Switching from an unfiltered method to a paper-filtered one is a practical step to mitigate the potential triglyceride-raising effects from the coffee bean itself.
Additives and Dietary Factors
While the coffee bean’s natural components can play a role, the additions commonly stirred into coffee are often the primary drivers of elevated triglycerides for many drinkers.
Sugars and Syrups
Refined sugars and flavored syrups are highly concentrated sources of carbohydrates. The body converts excess carbohydrates into triglycerides for storage. A single flavored coffee drink can easily exceed the recommended daily limit for added sugars, leading to a rapid spike in blood fat production.
Creamers and Fats
Many popular coffee creamers, especially highly processed flavored varieties, contain ingredients that can negatively impact lipid profiles. These products frequently contain corn syrup solids, unhealthy fats, and emulsifiers. This contributes to high sugar and high saturated fat intake, which is independently linked to higher triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
The overall dietary context surrounding coffee consumption also matters, particularly the habit of pairing coffee with high-carbohydrate or high-fat pastries. The cumulative effect of a large coffee consumed with significant sugar, a processed creamer, and a baked good is a much greater contributor to hypertriglyceridemia than the diterpenes in a black cup of coffee. Choosing healthier additions, such as small amounts of unsweetened plant-based milk or enjoying black coffee, can help avoid this dietary pitfall.