Research from Sweden reveals that office coffee machines may contain high levels of cafestol and kahweol, compounds that can increase LDL cholesterol, commonly known as "bad" cholesterol. This study highlights potential health risks associated with drinking coffee made from machines that use metal filters, which are common in many workplaces. The findings suggest that switching to paper-filtered coffee could significantly lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease over time.
• Coffee from workplace machines has higher levels of cafestol (176 mg/L) than paper-filtered coffee (12 mg/L).
• Switching from machine coffee to paper-filtered coffee could lower LDL cholesterol by 0.58 mmol/L.
• Liquid-model coffee machines generally produce lower levels of harmful compounds compared to traditional machines.
• Maintenance and cleaning of coffee machines can affect the levels of these compounds.
Understanding the impact of coffee preparation methods is crucial for maintaining heart health. By making simple changes, like opting for paper-filtered coffee, individuals can potentially lower their risk of cardiovascular issues, making this an important consideration for workplace health initiatives.
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