Be Careful, A Lot Of Consumption Of Espresso Drinks Can Trigger High Cholesterol

JAKARTA - Excessive espresso drinking is linked to higher cholesterol, especially among men, according to a study published in BMJ Open Heart on May 10, 2022.

Quoted from Insiders as reported by Antara, Sunday, May 15, researchers from the Arctic University of Norway, the University of Oslo and the University of Gothenburg in Sweden studied survey data of 21,083 Norwegians, aged 40 years and over, and then compared coffee drinking habits with cholesterol levels through blood sample.

They wanted to discover how different types of coffee could affect cholesterol levels. Researchers found people who drank three to five cups of espresso per day had higher cholesterol levels, compared to those who didn't drink espresso. According to the data, the relationship between espresso and cholesterol was stronger for men than women.

Another finding was that those who drank six or more cups of filter coffee daily were associated with higher cholesterol levels in women, but not in men. The results of this study show that the type of coffee a person drinks has a different impact on health.

Previous studies have shown that filtered coffee may be better for heart health, because unfiltered espresso contains more specific compounds called cafestol and kahweol that are linked to high cholesterol.

However, coffee contains thousands of compounds, many of which have positive health effects, so more research is needed to determine the healthiest ways to enjoy it.

According to studies, drinking up to five cups of coffee a day is generally safe and may have health benefits. Despite concerns about cholesterol levels, coffee is considered safe for most people. There is no long-term harm to drinking coffee in moderation.

Coffee is a great source of antioxidants and other plant-based micronutrients that can help prevent cancer, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Compounds in coffee can help reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and relieve mental health symptoms such as depression.

However, too much coffee or any source of caffeine can have side effects such as restlessness, anxiety, nausea, palpitations, and in extreme cases can make people unconscious.

Short-term symptoms can occur after consuming more than the recommended limit of 400 milligrams or about four cups of coffee. A serious caffeine overdose can occur at higher consumption levels of about 30-50 cups of coffee or more.