What is Cholesterol?
Cholesterol is a type of fat that is produced by the body and found in some animal-based foods. It’s a necessary element for producing hormones, vitamin D, and other useful body compounds. But too much of it can cause health problems, especially when it’s combined with high levels of other fats, like triglycerides. To detect higher levels of cholesterol in the body, a blood test is needed.
The Link Between Coffee and Cholesterol
Coffee can both help and hurt cholesterol levels in the body. When consumed in moderation, caffeine may raise good cholesterol levels and lower bad cholesterol levels. Though research is ongoing, many experts suspect that the impact on cholesterol depends on the type of coffee beans selected to brew the coffee. A study the British Journal of Nutrition even suggests that those who drank caffeinated coffee had lower overall cholesterol than those who did not.
Can You Drink Coffee Before a Blood Test for Cholesterol?
Most medical experts agree that drinking coffee before a cholesterol blood test does not usually affect the test’s reliability. The amount of caffeine contained in a single cup of coffee is too small to interfere with the test’s results. Sugary or sugary-creamer-based combinations during the test should be avoided, as should caffeine-based energy drinks. Though coffee, in moderation, can raise overall cholesterol levels slightly, the impact is usually not enough to alter the results of the test.
Should You Drink Coffee Before or After the Test?
Any caffeinated beverage, including coffee, should be consumed prior to the cholesterol test. Usually medical experts suggest that no fewer than two hours should pass after the consumption of a caffeinated beverage and the test itself. Drinking coffee after the test is also permissible, but it must take place four hours after the test is conducted. The combination of coffee and cholesterol testing can be tricky to navigate if your caffeine intake normally exceeds a cup of coffee.
Can High Coffee Consumption Raise Cholesterol Levels?
Regardless of the brand chosen and the way in which it’s prepared, coffee can interfere with cholesterol test results if consumed excessively. More than three cups of coffee can lead to artificially elevated tests results. This is why it’s important to talk to your doctor in advance of the test regarding recommended coffee consumption.
When to See a Doctor About Cholesterol Results
Regardless of pre-test habits, anyone receiving a cholesterol test should pay attention to the results. Higher than expected levels may indicate a problem involving blockages or calcification of the arteries, leading to a heart attack or stroke. Lower than expected levels could be an early warning sign of diabetes or other metabolic issues involving the liver. In either case, any concerns regarding cholesterol test results should be discussed promptly with a doctor.
Effects of Enhanced Flavouring on Cholesterol Test Results
Flavored coffee syrups and artificial sweeteners also can interfere with cholesterol test results. Artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, sucralose and saccharin, as well as real, raw and granulated sugar, can cause spikes in the overall cholesterol results. To avoid this, coffee and other caffeinated beverages be taken plain and without any additions.
Health Benefits of Moderate Coffee Drinking
Research suggests that moderate and responsible coffee consumption, both before and after a cholesterol test, can help protect against stroke, heart disease, and even diabetes. Additionally, moderate coffee consumption has been linked to decreased odds of developing liver cirrhosis, a condition that involves the scarring of liver tissue.
The Bottom Line
Coffee drinking before a cholesterol test is generally considered safe and unlikely to influence the test results. It is important, however, to exercise moderation when consuming caffeinated beverages prior to the test. Additionally, flavored syrups and artificial sweeteners should be avoided. And if the test results are abnormal, it’s important to consult a doctor so any underlying problems can be identified and managed as soon as possible.
Consuming Coffee on an Empty Stomach
Many people struggle with digestive upset if they drink coffee when they haven’t had food. This is naturally a concern if they are having a cholesterol test at 9 a.m. and they are trying to avoid eating before that. Fortunately, if a person is careful and drinks their coffee in moderation, they should still be able to avoid digestive upset. Caffeine only has a moderate impact on the stomach, and a cup of black coffee should be perfectly fine.
Incorporating Coffee into Cholesterol-Lowering Diet
In terms of achieving lower cholesterol levels in a healthy manner, adding coffee to a person’s diet correctly can be a positive move. For example, someone following a Mediterranean diet may find that an occasional cup of freshly-brewed black coffee can be beneficial. It is important to understand that consuming excess caffeine daily can have a negative impact on cholesterol levels, however.
Coffee and Medication Interaction
People should also avoid having coffee unexpectedly in combination with certain medications. Although this may not be an issue for those who are just having their cholesterol tested, those taking certain drugs will find that caffeine can interfere with those medications. For instance, some epilepsy treatments can be rendered ineffective if someone has too much caffeine. As such, it is always important to consult a doctor when making any changes to one’s diet.
Comparing Caffeinated and Decaffeinated Coffee
When looking at how coffee may affect cholesterol levels, it is worth comparing caffeinated to decaffeinated coffee. Generally speaking, decaffeinated coffee does not appear to be linked to changes in cholesterol levels. This means those people who are concerned about their cholesterol levels can opt for decaffeinated coffee and still receive some of the benefits of this popular beverage.
