For many corporate employees, the office coffee machine is an essential part of the daily routine, fueling productivity and providing a much-needed caffeine boost. However, new research suggests that this workplace staple might come with an unexpected health risk—elevated cholesterol levels.
Scientists have discovered that coffee brewed in certain office machines contains compounds known to increase cholesterol, a finding that raises concerns about the long-term health effects of daily consumption.
The research behind the findings
The study, conducted by researchers from Uppsala University in collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology, was published in the journal Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases.
Lead researcher Dr David Iggman and his team analysed coffee from fourteen different office coffee machines, testing multiple batches over time. Their findings revealed significant variations in the levels of cholesterol-raising substances, depending on the machine type and the time of sampling.
The hidden cholesterol risk in coffee
At the center of the issue are cafestol and kahweol, two diterpenes naturally found in coffee. These compounds are known to increase LDL (bad) cholesterol and have been previously identified in boiled coffee, which lacks proper filtration. Nordic dietary guidelines already recommend reducing or avoiding boiled coffee due to its cholesterol-raising effects.
Traditional drip-filter coffee makers, which use paper filters, are effective in removing these substances. However, the study highlights that many office coffee machines fail to filter them out completely, potentially exposing employees to higher levels of these cholesterol-boosting compounds.
The research team tested coffee brewed from five common brands of ground coffee in various workplace machines. They found major differences in the levels of cafestol and kahweol, not just between machines but also within the same machine at different times. This inconsistency suggests that the filtering process in some machines is inadequate, allowing more cholesterol-elevating compounds to remain in the final cup.
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Health implications
"Many of the coffee samples we tested contained levels of cafestol and kahweol that could realistically impact LDL cholesterol and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in regular drinkers," explains Dr Iggman. He emphasises that employees who consume multiple cups of office coffee daily may be unknowingly raising their cholesterol levels.
The good news? A simple switch to paper-filtered coffee could significantly reduce this risk. While further studies are needed to determine the precise effects on cholesterol levels, researchers suggest that workplaces consider offering drip-filter coffee machines to promote heart health among employees.
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For coffee lovers concerned about their health, this study serves as an important reminder that not all coffee is created equal—and the type of machine brewing it can make a significant difference.
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