Based on the levels of diterpenes found in each type of coffee, these are the conclusions the researchers reached – from the least harmful to the most harmful to cholesterol:
1. Paper-filtered coffee – the lowest diterpene levels per liter
2. Boiled coffee with a filter
3. Plunger coffee
4. Coffee from an automatic machine
5. Percolator coffee
6. Boiled coffee without a filter
7. Espresso machine coffee – the highest diterpene levels per liter
Since espresso preparation involves forcing boiling water through finely ground coffee under high pressure without a filter, it makes sense that this type has the highest diterpene levels. In fact, the findings align with the results of other studies on the subject, which showed that espresso coffee consumption is linked to higher blood cholesterol levels.
"It’s better to reduce espresso consumption," says Melissa Prest, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, who was not involved in the study. She recommends limiting espresso to one or two cups per day at most. However, the researchers showed that those who drink paper-filtered coffee instead of espresso can significantly reduce their cholesterol levels – by 13% within 5 years and by 36% within 40 years!
