What coffee drinking and cholesterol have in common
CHOLESTEROL TO ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Cardiovascular disease is one of themost feared diseases of our time . These problems tend to be caused mainly by atherosclerotic degenerative changes that are mainly due tocholesterol deposition.
Atherosclerosis , or arterial corrosion, is the process of damage to the walls of the arteries by the deposition of fatty substances. Especially cholesterol. This change leads to a reduction in the elasticity and patency of the artery.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF ATHEROSCLEROSIS
The deposited cholesterol sticks to the artery walls and more and more cholesterol is deposited on top of it. The space in the artery narrows and its walls cease to be elastic. This degenerative process then results most often inmyocardial infarction or stroke.
The prerequisite for atherosclerosis is both genetics and, above all, unhealthy lifestyle factors. These are specifically obesity, minimal physical activity, diabetes and smoking. High blood pressure and elevated total and especially LDL cholesterol also have a major influence on the development of atherosclerosis .
WHAT CHOLESTEROL IS NEEDED FOR IN THE BODY
However, a certain amount of cholesterol is absolutely essential for our lives. Cholesterol is fundamentally involved in the construction of the cells in our body. We also need it for the production of hormones such as cortisol, which is linked not only to the stress response but also to our biorhythms or circadian rhythms.
There are two types of cholesterol, the 'bad' LDL (low-density lipoprotein) and the 'good' HDL (high-density lipoprotein). HDL cholesterol can shift LDL cholesterol so that it does not settle in the arteries but is properly used for the body's needs.
WHERE IS CHOLESTEROL TAKEN FROM?
Cholesterol is synthesized by our body itself to some extent. The more important factor is the intake of cholesterol from food. By eating the right diet, we can influence the amount of cholesterol and especially LDL cholesterol, which is known as the 'bad' cholesterol.
If we eat a diet thatis primarily higher in saturated fatty acids, which are common in meat and animal products such as butter, then theamount of LDL cholesterol in the blood increases and unused LDL cholesterol begins to build up in the artery walls.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLE AGAINST 'BAD' CHOLESTEROL
A healthy diet should include foods rich in unsaturated fatty acidson our plates . Such food positively promotes the uptake of LDL cholesterol and its transfer, via HDL or good cholesterol, to the liver where it is processed.
If we combine a healthy diet with aproper drinking regime and physical activity, we will be well on our way tominimizing the development of atherosclerosis and other diseases, not only cardiovascular diseases.
THE EFFECT OF COFFEE ON CHOLESTEROL LEVELS
What role does drinking coffee play in this cholesterol management? Investigations have revealed that two diterpenes, Cafestol and Kahweol, are extracted from roasted coffeebeans during preparation . These two substances are mainly found in unfiltered coffee as they are trapped on the filterpaper when it is used .
In the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, Chinese researchers published astudy showing that in people who drink unfiltered coffee for a long time, the diterpenes Cafestol and Kahweol are involved in raising LDL cholesterol in the blood.
AMOUNTS OF CAFESTOL AND KAHWEOL BY COFFEE PREPARATION METHOD
Based on the above finding, we could think about and reduce the amount of coffee consumed. Also, limiting the preparation of coffee to that which requires filtration through a paper filter such as Chemex or V60.
Another study looked at the amount of these substances in coffee and how they vary according to the method used to prepare the coffee. Cafestol content is highest in Turkish coffee up to 88.7 mg/l. When using a mocha pot, the yield of Cafestol is given as 37.5 mg/l. For French press it is about 25 mg/l and for espresso about 17 mg/l. In contrast, filtered coffee through a paper filter contains 0.12 mg/ Cafestol, which is basically a negligible amount.
EFFECTS OF CAFESTOL AND KAHWEOL
But if you don't immediately condemn this pair of diterpenes, you'll find that they are also responsible for many health-promoting effects. Specifically, they are anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and may also help with anti-angiogenic therapy.
Theresults of this study then show that the diterpents Cafestol and Kahweol are mainly active in five activities affecting the health and function of our bodies. These effects are:
- increasing LDL cholesterol levels in the blood
- supporting the immune system
- anti-apoptosis (cell death) and anti-angiogenetic effects (against blood vessel formation), thus contributing to the fight against tumours and cancer
- increasing insulin production and glucose absorption in muscle cells, these effects can be collectively described as antidiabetic effects
- anti-osteoclastogenesis, that is, Cafestol and in this case mainly Kahweol affect the activity of osteoclasts (cells with the function of breaking down bone tissue) and promote the diversity of osteoblasts (cells that promote bone growth and structure)
COFFEE DRINKING AND A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Having studied the effects of coffee in terms of the effects of its diterpenes Cafestol and Kahweol, we can draw our own conclusions about the advisability of its consumption. As is the casewith most of the foods we eat on a daily basis, coffee contains substances which, in specific cases, are not suitable for health in certain amounts.
Because has a range of health-promoting substances, and scientists have not yet recognized all of its abilities, it is more than advisable to include coffee in our healthy lifestyles, just like a balanced and sensible diet.
However, we have the ability to influenceany elevated LDL cholesterol that coffee drinking may contribute to by eating a healthy diet rich in unsaturated fatty acids and fibre. Like any food, coffee should be drunk with respect for its composition and effects and with respect for one's own health.
Sources:
Ren Y, Wang C, Xu J, Wang S. Cafestol and Kahweol: A Review on Their Bioactivities and Pharmacological Properties. int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(17):4238. Published 2019 Aug 30. doi:10.3390/ijms20174238
Chen Zhang, Robert Linforth, Ian D. Fisk. Cafestol extraction yield from different coffee brew mechanisms. Food Research International. Volume 49, Issue 1, November 2012, Pages 27-31. doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2012.06.032