Why French Press Coffee Is Bad For You? – while the French press brewing method has its devotees, there are drawbacks to this style you should know. Learn why it may actually be bad for your health.
I’m the type of person who love to start the day with a hot cup of coffee per day. My senses are awakened by the powerful flavor and the rich perfume from perfect cup of coffee that permeates the kitchen.
However, I recently discovered that this beloved brewing method may not be the healthiest choice. Diterpenes found in French press coffee, like cafestol and kahweol, can elevate cholesterol and increase the heart attack risk disease.
I was interested in learning the real reasons why French press coffee bad for you because I take good care of my health. Let’s analyze the potential risks associated with this popular brewing method now.
Key Takeaways
- French Press coffee, known for its rich and robust flavor, often draws attention for some health concerns.
- The brewing method of a French Press lacks a paper filter, allowing harmful compounds like cafestol and kahweol to remain in the final brew.
- These compounds, when consumed in high quantities, can increase an individual’s LDL cholesterol levels.
- Additionally, the French Press method might leave coffee grounds in the drink, which can irritate the digestive tract.
- Another aspect to consider is over-extraction, which can happen if the coffee is left to steep for too long, leading to increased bitterness and potentially more caffeine, which can cause issues like insomnia or rapid heart rate in sensitive individuals.
Why French Press Coffee Is Bad for You
When you don’t use a filter for coffee, some undesirable ingredients may slip into your cup of joe.
A 2020 study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology analyzed 20 years of data taken from more than 508,700 people ages 20 to 79. Researchers noted who drank filtered coffee, unfiltered coffee, or both. The study found that drinking unfiltered coffee was associated with a greater heart attack risk disease and death compared to drinking filtered coffee.
According to the study, consuming filtered coffee rather than unfiltered or drip coffee at all is connected with a lower death rate. It’s important to note, says Shanta Retelny, that the greater risk of heart disease and death was linked to drinking large amounts of unfiltered coffee-more than nine cups per day.
The results of further studies support the idea that the substances contained in unfiltered coffee oils that contain diterpenes can increase your heart attack risk disease. That’s because diterpenes are linked to increased cholesterol, as a 2020 research review published in Food Research International suggests.
Health Risks Associated With French Press Coffee
Drinking French press coffee, especially in large amountsof French press coffee proportions, can increase your heart attack risk disease due to the oils and diterpenes it contains. It’s made by steeping coffee grounds in hot water and then pressing the plunger to separate the liquid from the grounds.
Unlike filtered coffee, French press coffee does not use a filter made of paper, allowing the oils and diterpenes to remain in the brew. The heart attack risk disease can be increased by these chemicals, which include cafestol and kahweol. It is important to note that occasional consumption of French press coffee is unlikely to pose significant risks.
However, for individuals with high cholesterol levels, it is advisable to limit their intake and opt for paper-filtered coffee instead.
Negative Effects of French Press Coffee on Digestive System
Excessive consumption of unfiltered coffee can irritate the digestive system and lead to digestive discomfort. When consuming French press coffee, the absence of a paper filter allows coffee bean oils and impurities to remain in the final brew.
These oils may aggravate the digestive tract’s lining, leading to symptoms including acid reflux, heartburn, stomach pain, and, in extremely rare instances, diarrhea.
Drink coffee can worsen the symptoms of coffee drinker conditions including gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and stimulate the creation of additional stomach acid due to its high acidity.
Additionally, the oils in cups of unfiltered coffee can slow down digestion, leading to feelings of bloating and discomfort.
To minimize the negative effects on your digestive system, it is advisable to consume the coffee in moderation and consider adding a paper filter to reduce the presence of oils and impurities.
French Press Coffee and Increased Cholesterol Levels
To minimize the potential impact on your cholesterol levels, it’s important to consider the effects of unfiltered coffee like French press on your health. French press coffee, due to its lack of a paper filter, contains diterpenes such as cafestol and kahweol.
Heart disease risk may rise as a result of the elevated ldl cholesterol levels connected to certain medications. However, it’s worth noting that moderate consumption of French press coffee is unlikely to pose significant risks.
If you’re concerned about your cholesterin amounts, there are alternative filtering methods available. Pouring French press coffee through a filter or using a paper filter can help remove diterpenes and minimize their impact on your health.
Additionally, switching to stainless steel coffee makers can reduce the risk of chemicals leaching from plastic coffee makers. By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the rich flavors of French press coffee while taking care of your cholesterin amounts.
Pros of French Press Coffee | Cons of French Press Coffee |
Rich and intense flavors | Increased cholesterol levels |
Aromatically pleasing | Potential risk of heart disease |
Easy to use and clean | Lack of filtration |
Can be a ritual and enjoyable experience |

French Press Coffee and Its Impact on Sleep Quality
If you’re struggling with sleep quality, understanding the French press process and cutting back on unfiltered coffee like French press may be beneficial. Although French press is renowned for its robust and rich flavor, it can also interfere with your sleep.
The lack of a paper filter allows certain compounds, like diterpenes, to remain in the brew. The ability to sleep may be impacted by these substances, which have been related to excessive ldl cholesterol.
Additionally, coffee’s high caffeine level might disrupt sleep cycles and make it hard to get to sleep or stay asleep. If you’re looking to improve your sleep, consider switching to filtered coffee or limiting your consumption of French press coffee in the evening.
French Press Coffee and Potential Cardiovascular Risks
Consuming unfiltered coffee like French press may increase the risk of cardiovascular issues due to the presence of certain compounds. French press coffee contains diterpenes, such as cafestol and kahweol, which can raise cholesterol levels.
An higher heart attack risk disease is linked to high cholesterin amounts. It is important to note that French press coffee may not be suitable for individuals with them. However, consuming French press coffee in moderation is generally recommended. To mitigate the potential risks, using paper filters can be beneficial.
It can remove diterpenes from the coffee, resulting in a milder and sweeter taste. Alternative cleaning techniques, such using them in the French press or pouring coffee through a filter, can also lessen the presence of these chemicals. Making informed decisions about consuming coffee always requires taking into account one’s own health conditions.
What Can You Do To Protect Your Health?
If you already have problems with your cholesterin amounts, it might be a good idea to avoid French press coffee. Make sure you switch to a paper filter method – switching to a moka pot won’t help you. Don’t overdo it with the espresso either.
If you want to take a few small precautions, start with not overdoing it. The numbers above are based on consuming five cups (that’s tiny 4 fluid ounce/120 ml cups, not true 8 fluid ounce cups or the oil barrel you call a cup) per day. If you drink a lot of French press coffee, consider mixing it with paper-filtered preparations like a pourover.
Another factor to consider is the roast of your coffee: the darker the roast, the lower the cafestrol content. A dark roast contains about 60% as much cafestrol as a light roast. If you want to add variety to your coffee consumption, try making your dark roasts in the French press and your light roasts using a different French press method

Frequently Asked Questions
Can French Press Coffee Negatively Affect Digestion or Cause Digestive Problems?
It may cause digestive problems like acid reflux or heartburn by irritating the stomach lining. The absence of a paper filter can make these issues worse by allowing more oils and sediments to enter the brew.
Can I enjoy the health benefits of coffee without using a French press?
Absolutely! You can still reap the health benefits of coffee by opting for alternative brewing coffee methods like drip, pour-over, or espresso. These methods often result in a smoother and less oily cup of French press coffee.
Can Drinking French Press Coffee Affect the Quality of Sleep?
Yes, drinking it can affect the quality of sleep. All type of coffee contains a lot of caffeine, which can interfere with sleep cycles and make it difficult to fall asleep. Especially in the evening, limiting your coffee intake is essential for getting a decent night’s sleep.
What Are the Potential Cardiovascular Risks Associated With Consuming French Press Coffee?
It can pose potential cardiovascular risks due to the oils it retains, which contain diterpenes that can increase levels of cholesterol. However, moderate consumption and alternating with cleaned coffee can help mitigate these risks.
Are There Any Specific Negative Effects of French Press Coffee on the Digestive System?
Due to its high acidity and not having a paper filter to remove certain components, it may have adverse effects on the digestive system, such as acid reflux and stomach discomfort.
Conclusion
In conclusion, after delving into the depths of the French press coffee world, it is clear that moderation is key. Like a delicate dance between pleasure and caution, indulging in this rich brew can be enjoyable, but we must be mindful of its potential health risks.
Just as a knight wields his sword with precision and grace, we must clean our coffee to remove the diterpenes that threaten our cholesterol levels. And like a wise alchemist, we should brew our elixir in stainless steel, steering clear of plastic’s harmful embrace. By treading this path, we can savor the enchantment of French press for coffee while safeguarding our well-being.
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