There has been much debate over the years regarding the effects of coffee on health. While several recent studies have suggested that decaffeinated coffee raises cholesterol, others have demonstrated no correlation between the two. Most experts agree that the bulk of the literature does not support these negative claims about decaf; but if you are a decaf drinker and concerned about your cholesterol, consider discussing these studies with your physician to determine if decaffeinated coffee is safe for you.
The Good Versus the Bad
Studies on the effect of decaffeinated coffee on cholesterol have been conflicting. A 2006 study published in "Circulation," following 44,005 men and 84,488 women for 14 and 20 years, respectively, uncovered no correlation between decaffeinated coffee intake and total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein or high-density lipoprotein levels in men or women. Conversely, a study presented at the 2005 American Heart Association Scientific Sessions found the opposite. According to lead researcher Dr. Robert Superko of the Fuqua Heart Center in Atlanta, decaffeinated coffee increased blood levels of low-density lipoprotein, or LDL -- the "bad" cholesterol associated with heart disease. LDL levels were increased 5 to 6 mg per deciliter. Decaf also raised the level of apoprotein B, a protein component of LDL, by 8 percent. The researchers attribute these findings not to the lack of caffeine, but to the type of coffee bean used to make decaffeinated coffee. Decaffeinated coffee is made from the robusta bean. Robusta contains higher levels of a chemical called deptine, which Dr. Superko points to as the most likely culprit behind these findings.
Risk of Heart Disease
According to researchers reporting in "Circulation," decaffeinated coffee may raise the risk of coronary artery disease in women but not in men. However, after the results were adjusted for smoking, no increase in risk was seen. The researchers note that although decaffeinated coffee appears to have no beneficial or detrimental effect on the risk for heart disease, coffee consumption does appear to be correlated to smoking, which increases the risk of heart disease.
Considerations
Since studies on decaffeinated coffee and cholesterol have been largely inconclusive, more research is needed on this subject before any definite conclusions can be formed. Dr. Superko notes that while the increase in LDL found in his study was not "statistically significant," it may be significant for those trying to lower their cholesterol.
The Bottom Line
If you drink decaffeinated coffee and are concerned about high cholesterol, it may be prudent to eliminate decaffeinated coffee from your diet. As with any food or drink, most individuals should consume decaffeinated coffee in moderation. Although no values for intake have established, Victoria Drake of the Linus Pauling Research Institute notes coffee contains several vitamins, minerals and chemicals that may be harmful to your health if consumed in large quantities. For this reason, decaffeinated coffee intake should be limited to about three or four cups a day.
References
- "Circulation"; Coffee Consumption and Coronary Heart Disease in Men and Women; Esther Lopez-Garcia et al.; April 2006
- Medscape Medical News; Decaf Coffee May Increase ApoB Levels; Linda Little; November 2005
- Lab Tests Online; Apo B; October 2010
- Linus Pauling Institute; Is Coffee Harmful or Healthful?; Victoria J. Drake; December 2007
