Millions of people enjoy starting their day right with a cup of coffee as part of their morning ritual, yet how you prepare it may have an impactful influence on your health, particularly if cholesterol levels are an issue for you. Scientists recently conducted a new study that demonstrated how coffee drinkers who prefer unfiltered java were at greater risk of heart disease compared to those who stick with filters – all due to brewing methods used during production, according to research published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology. Study authors determined that people who opt to brew coffee without paper filters were at greater risk of death and heart disease compared with those using standard drip makers, which filter out oils and compounds known to increase LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, such as cafestol and kahweol diterpenes found in coffee. Filtered coffee contains lower concentrations of these diterpenes.

Researchers examined 500,000 Norwegian adults who reported their diet. Of note was the finding that those using filtered machines to make coffee had a 15% reduced risk of death compared with those without. Even after accounting for other factors like body weight and exercise regimen, smoking habits, body size, etc. Additionally, authors of the study noted that their results would have been even stronger had participants also kept track of how much milk and sugar they added when making their cup of joe.

Though Diekman notes the findings as intriguing, she cautions that it’s too soon to know whether filtered coffee truly offers more benefits than other methods of brewing. For one thing, this study didn’t account for whether coffee was served with dairy products or fat-laden ingredients like cream, which may affect its health benefits more than filtered brew. “Thus far we do not have data regarding this possibility but it could be that high-diterpene machine coffee may have more of an effect than its filtered counterpart,” she adds.

Furthermore, this study did not explore how much cholesterol is being increased by other aspects of each group’s diet, such as their level of omega-6 fats known to raise LDL levels. But there’s no questioning the significance of the filtered coffee result; in conclusion, drinking coffee responsibly — without sugars and creamers whenever possible — should be encouraged; when heading into work environments be sure to inquire as to the types of coffee machines they provide before ordering your drink.

If the allure of an unfiltered cup at work proves irresistible, why not bring your own filter and create your brew at home using a reliable filtration system? That way you’ll be sure that your daily cup is getting its maximum potential while making you healthier overall! And if you need any sweeteners or creamers add them be sure to choose low-fat options to reduce cholesterol while keeping tummy grumbling! Then sit back and sip away!