Drinking a cup of coffee, decaf, or regular, may seem an innocuous habit when you are concerned about your cholesterol. But that may not be the case.
A few studies have linked coffee drinking to increased levels of LDL—that oh-so bad form of cholesterol. That’s surprising. But what’s even more surprising is that the increase may depend on how your coffee is ewed. Plant chemicals Cafestol and Kahweol in unfiltered coffee are the unusual suspects. Unfiltered coffee is when grounds come into prolonged contact with hot water—such as French press, Turkish, espresso, or cappuccino. Using a standard paper filter or the wildly popular single-serving pods drastically reduces the presence of these chemicals.
Many experts agree, however, what we do to our coffee after it is ewed may be the real health concern. Calories and cholesterol skyrocket when we order up all those mocha smocha latte frappe concoctions. According to CalorieKing Publications, a large Dunkin’ Donuts Frozen Mocha Coffee Coolatta with Cream contains 1,050 calories, 53 grams of fat and 127 grams of sugar. Say what?!
Bottom Line: Next month we will discuss the benefits of coffee. But in the meantime, may we interest you in a delightful cup of tea?
—S.H.
