Caffeine provides a stimulant effect that prompts many people to consume caffeine in the morning or whenever they feel fatigued. Chocolate, coffee, tea and certain soft drinks are among the foods containing caffeine. Caffeine has an addictive nature, causing headaches and irritability if you reduce your intake. In addition, caffeine could have an ill effect on your health. Understanding the relationship between caffeine and cholesterol may help you determine if you should reduce your caffeine intake.
Cholesterol
Your body produces a certain amount of cholesterol needed to perform functions throughout your body. A high intake of fatty foods can lead to increased cholesterol levels, and this could increase your risk of serious medical conditions such as heart disease, heart attacks and strokes. Other factors may also play a role in high cholesterol levels. For example, heredity could cause high levels, even if you follow a low-fat, healthful diet. In some instances, caffeine may also play a role.
Effects
Moderate consumption of caffeine in general does not appear to have a significant effect on your cholesterol. However, depending on how you brew your coffee, a potential link exists between coffee and increased cholesterol levels. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University reports that cafestol, a component found in boiled coffee, may increase your cholesterol levels. Boiled and unfiltered coffee consists of varieties such as French press coffee and espresso. Drinking coffee brewed using a paper filter appears to prevent most of the cafestol from reaching your cup, according to Linus Pauling Institute.
Although moderate caffeine intake may not have a significant effect on your health, if you have a condition such as high blood pressure, your doctor may recommend that you avoid caffeinated products or limit your intake. Caffeine may cause a sharp rise in your blood pressure, and if you consume large amounts of caffeine throughout the day, this may cause a steady, high blood pressure, increasing your risk for health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.
Intake
If you drink French press or other types of unfiltered coffee on a regular basis, you may want to decrease your intake to limit the amount of cafestol you consume. If you have high blood pressure or other health conditions that your doctor thinks caffeine could negatively effect, you may need to limit your intake not only of coffee but of other caffeine sources.
You should not suddenly stop or dramatically reduce your caffeine intake, since this could result in withdrawal symptoms such as headaches, poor concentration and fatigue. Instead, gradually reduce your intake by eliminating one serving of a caffeine source. Wait a few days and eliminate another serving, following this process until you reduce or eliminate all caffeine from your diet.
Considerations
During a health examination your doctor may test your blood cholesterol levels. If your levels are too high, your doctor will recommend that you follow a low-fat diet that consists of lean proteins, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Caffeine consumption may not come up in your discussion. However, if you consume a significant amount of caffeine, and coffee in particular, discuss this with your doctor, and she will help you determine if you should reduce your intake.
References
- MedlinePlus: Caffeine in the Diet
- American Heart Association: About Cholesterol
- American Heart Association: Caffeine and Cardiovascular Disease
- Oregon State University; Linus Pauling Institute; Coffee; Jane Higdon, Ph.D., et al.; September 2008
- Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center; Information About Caffeine Dependence; R.R. Griffiths, et al.; July 2003
