Topics to be covered
- Can You Drink Coffee If You Have High Cholesterol?
- Is Coffee Good or Bad for Cholesterol?
- Effects of Coffee on Other Health Factors
- Benefits of Coffee for High Cholesterol
- Talking to Your Doctor About Coffee and Cholesterol
Cholesterol is an important health indicator that doctors check during routine physicals. High cholesterol puts people at a greater risk of suffering from heart diseases and stroke. While making dietary changes can help reduce cholesterol levels, it’s necessary to question if one can consume coffee if they have high cholesterol.
Medical studies into this subject have shown mixed conclusions. While some indicate that there’s no association between coffee and cholesterol levels, others point to the potential of drinking coffee while looking to improve cholesterol levels. In this article, you’ll get answers on if you can drink coffee if you have high cholesterol and learn more regarding its impact on cholesterol.
Can You Drink Coffee If You Have High Cholesterol?
Coffee, which is often linked to reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes and stroke, could offer potential benefits when it comes to cholesterol levels. Over the years, several studies found that drinking coffee has had no impact on cholesterol levels. An analysis of several such studies reasoned that drinking coffee, up to 3 to 4 cups a day, didn’t cause a negative imbalance in cholesterol levels. However, like most things, it can vary from person to person.
Cell experiments in lab environments, as well as studies on rabbits, showed that cholesterol levels in the blood decreased with increased coffee intake. However, it’s worth noting that human studies on this particular topic are limited and much more research is needed.
Furthermore, while evidence of coffee positively impacting cholesterol levels via modest increases in HDL cholesterol, the so-called ‘good cholesterol’, is promising, one cannot be certain. Therefore, if you’re looking to reduce cholesterol levels, it’s best you speak to a doctor.
Is Coffee Good or Bad for Cholesterol?
Generally, coffee is considered safe and has potential benefits when looking to reduce cholesterol levels. In addition to being a rich source of antioxidants, coffee packs several other nutrients vital to maintaining a healthy life. Therefore by improving such nutritional deficiencies, one can potentially reduce cholesterol levels. That is, if coffee is consumed in moderation.
When consumed in excess, coffee can vary in its effects depending on individual biochemistry and health status. People with high cholesterol should be sure that coffee isn’t their only source of nutrition. Coffee may prevent you from grabbing a snack such as donuts, but not having a healthy meal. This can throw your cholesterol levels off balance and lead to weight gain.
It’s also important to note that coffee is a diuretic and can lead to dehydration. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure and cause harm to the heart in the long run. With that said, one can enjoy coffee even if they have high cholesterol. As long as the intake is kept to a healthy and moderate level.
Effects of Coffee on Other Health Factors
When consumed in moderation, coffee can show a positive correlation with your health, provided you’re not a caffeine-sensitive person. As noted before, it’s not just limited to cholesterol levels, coffee can help with other important body processes like reducing inflammation and oxidative stress.
Moreover, coffee also helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. A study on individuals with cardiovascular diseases concluded that drinking coffee in moderation can reduce the chances of a nonfatal heart attack. it’s also linked with improved physical performance and being an overall boost to your mood.
But like with anything, too much of it can have adverse effects. The drink should still be consumed in moderation, like with many other things.
Benefits of Coffee for High Cholesterol
Based on scientific research, coffee does not impact the cholesterol levels directly. However, the molecule compounds present in coffee, i.e. Phenols, which are known for their antioxidant activity could potentially help reduce cholesterol levels.
Moreover, it helps reduce the risk of stroke, better performance during physical activities, decrease feelings of tiredness in the afternoon, and reduces inflammation.
As a result of these effects, it could lead to an improved quality of life, provided the individual has sufficient nutrition and hydration.
Talking to Your Doctor About Coffee and Cholesterol
It’s best to take medical advice when it comes to having high cholesterol and consuming coffee. A doctor will provide a professional opinion as to what’s best suited for you given your medical history. Advising on other dietary and lifestyle changes such as exercise, mental and spiritual health within your regime are only added bonuses that come with the right medical advice.
On the subject of coffee intake, your doctor might advise avoiding any form of caffeine if you’re suffering from hypertension. For those without hypertension, they could recommend moderate coffee intake provided that other sources of nutrition are available.
Conclusion
So, can you drink coffee if you have high cholesterol? While there remain mixed conclusions based on the available research, it’s best to take medical advice or speak to a doctor for a personalized treatment plan. Coffee could offer benefits in terms of improved quality of life, reduce fatigue and improve physical performance by keeping cholesterol in check, however, one should be sure to drink it in moderation.
