Coffee enthusiasts are constantly in search of the ideal way to prepare our morning joe. Studies have suggested it can lower our risk of diabetes, reduce depression in women and boost energy and performance levels – all things linked with decreased risks of heart disease, Parkinson’s and certain cancers. Still, many remain concerned that regular consumption could increase their chances of heart attack or stroke; yet, according to a new study published by European Journal of Preventive Cardiology this method significantly impacts its health benefits.

Researchers conducted a 20-year long study analyzing the coffee drinking habits of over half a million Norwegians between the ages of 20 and 79 who regularly consumed coffee, comparing these people to those who never consumed any coffee at all. Researchers divided participants based on their coffee-brewing method and discovered that unfiltered (including French press) was linked with higher risks of cardiovascular disease and death than its filtered counterparts. Unfiltered coffee contains cafestol and kahweol, which has been shown to increase cholesterol and raise triglycerides levels, while those who consumed filtered coffee – including drip and pour over varieties – had 15% lower chances of death or heart attacks compared to unfiltered counterparts.

French Press coffee involves forcing hot water through ground coffee beans under pressure to extract a richer and more intense brew, but when working with such extreme heat can also leave behind sediment or oils which some may find unpleasant. Filter coffee uses paper filters to filter out these particles, leaving behind balanced flavors without the acidity found in French Press brew.

To create the ideal cup of filter coffee, it is crucial that you select the appropriate grind, water temperature and ensure the grounds are distributed evenly in your mug. Rinse out your filter prior to each use and preheat it between 195oF and 205oF; an efficient drip machine like Moccamaster can assist in accomplishing this consistently.

Even with the best drip coffee maker on the market, it is still important to watch out for adding too much sugar or creamer to your brew – these additions cause high levels of triglycerides and cholesterol, so keeping your cups of joe simple and straightforward are important – as long as you follow the American Heart Association’s Life’s Simple 7 list of habits which improve heart health consuming moderate amounts of filter or French press coffee won’t harm you.