The debate over whether coffee is healthy is a favorite topic for newspapers. It’s a particularly personal topic to me, and given the intricacy of both the human body and coffee, both sides can make valid arguments.
However, a fascinating piece from the Harvard Health blog that claimed French press coffee was unhealthy surfaced in 2016, which sparked a lot of discussion online.
Although the blog post could be more detailed, there are a lot of studies available that can fill in the blanks. Let’s delve a little more into the topic and attempt to provide an answer to the burning query, “Is French press coffee not good for your health?”
Table of Contents
What About Coffee Made in a French Press?
Cafestol and Kahweol were mentioned prominently in the Harvard Health publication that sparked this debate. Both are diterpenes, and paper filters are superior to metal ones at removing them.
According to the study, French press coffee has a cafestol content almost 300 times higher than paper-filtered drip coffee. A small amount of cafestol is lost through the metal filter, but less than when the coffee is cooked.
“This means that French press coffee is, in the end, not special. Any coffee filtered using metal (or with no filter at all) poses the same health risk”.
An influential piece by the Harvard Health blog about French press coffee appears in search results. While many sources point to espresso as the industry standard, the fact remains that Americans prefer their coffee in sizeable French press pots and espresso in little cups.
Cafestol concentration is nearly the same, although intake is low due to the modest portion size.
The Nutshell on the Connection Between Espresso and Good Health
Indirectly, cafestol and kahweol consumption raise LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels by exerting pressure on the body’s processes.High concentrations are linked to an increased danger of cardiovascular disease and mortality.
Now things start to heat up. The main concern is how much of an increase to expect. Five cups of French press coffee a day is associated with a 7 mg/dL increase in LDL cholesterol and an 11 mg/dL increase in triglycerides.
While the accurate range for LDL cholesterol is among 100 and 129 mg/dL, these readings are still considered in a healthy range. That’s a big enough increase to quickly turn your LDL from good to borderline high or from borderline high to undesired.
The triglyceride rise is less alarming but should still be noted, especially if you have had triglyceride issues.Dr Eric Rimm, an associate professor of epidemiology at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, claims that consuming “five to eight cups of unfiltered coffee per day may raise your ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol.”
No evidence drinking French press coffee can cause cancer or any other serious ailment. Dr Rimm advises you to monitor your cholesterol levels, especially your LDL.
Four cups maximum daily for unfiltered coffee and five cups of filtered coffee is recommended by him..
How Do You Ensure Your Continued Physical Well-Being?
Stop drinking French press coffee if you’re trying to lower your cholesterol levels. Switching to a Moka pot won’t help, so stick with a paper filter approach instead. Avoid drinking too much espresso.
The first step in taking any precaution is to not go to extremes. This data assumes that you drink five cups of coffee daily (four fluid ounces or 120 milliliters, not eight fluid ounces or that oil drum you call a mug). If you often consume coffee from a French press, try switching to a paper-filtered method, such as a pour-over.
The degree of roasting your coffee is another consideration; the darker the roast, the less cafestol it contains.
The amount of cafestol in a dark roast is roughly 60% of that in a light roast. If you want to spice up your coffee routine, consider brewing your dark and light roasts in a French press.
Conclusion
I began writing this piece with the presumption that “Is French press coffee bad for you?” would have a positive answer.
I was almost there and was going to suggest that it was fine unless you drank it by the gallon, but then I saw that the study only included 4-ounce servings, and I was taken aback. French press coffee is not the healthiest option.
My current response is that there may be better options than French press coffee.My French press is 750 mL, equivalent to roughly 614 mini-cups, so I’m in the danger zone. My cholesterol is neither extremely high nor extremely low.
Therefore, I’ll be modifying several aspects of my lifestyle.I prepare my coffee in a French press some mornings and a pour-over the next. On my next doctor’s appointment, I’m going to bring up how much coffee I drink, and you should, too.
FAQs
What milk is best for French press coffee?
The robust flavor and the entire body of French press coffee pair well with the creamy smoothness of whole milk or cream.
Do you use boiling water for French press coffee?
For the best results, while producing French press coffee, it is advised that the water be heated to a temperature slightly below boiling (about 200°F or 93°C).
Is it wrong to drink French press coffee every day?
It’s good to enjoy a cup of French press coffee in moderation every day but excessively may raise cholesterol because of the coffee oils.
Why is the French press better than the drip?
The French press produces more muscular, flavorful coffee, allowing for greater customization than the drip method.
Does French press coffee have fiber?
The coffee grounds used to make French press coffee provide a trace amount of soluble dietary fiber, but this amount is negligible.
Know More About French Press Coffee
https://justcoffeezone.com/making-espresso-using-a-french-press/
https://justcoffeezone.com/alternative-to-french-press/
https://justcoffeezone.com/does-caffeine-exists-in-french-press-coffee/
