How Does Caffeine Affect Cholesterol Levels?

Introduction

Emma Childs and Harriet deWitt (2008) pointed out in the journal article, "Enhanced mood and psychomotor performance by a caffeine-containing energy capsule in fatigued individuals," that approximately 80 percent of adults and children in the United States consume caffeine products in spite of caffeine being a psychoactive substance because of its effect on a person's mood or behavior. One popular beverage that contains caffeine is coffee. In fact, Juliet Gray (1998) in her journal article, "Caffeine, Coffee & Health," stated that caffeine is the major pharmacologically active ingredient in coffee. However, coffee is constantly evolving, for no longer is coffee just caffeinated or decaffeinated, but it comes in a variety of flavors. To some, coffee is just a wake-me-up beverage, while to others coffee is a status symbol. For example, the stimulant in coffee can temporally increase the energy of a drowsy person. However, many products have caffeine as an ingredient. For example, some teas, soft drinks, chocolate candy and medicine have caffeine.

What is Cholesterol?

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines cholesterol as being a waxy, fat-like substance found in the body's cells. Even though the body creates the cholesterol it needs, when a person consumes too much of the wrong foods, a buildup of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is referred to as bad cholesterol, occurs. As the LDL continues to build, the person has a greater possibility of getting coronary heart disease.

Research Studies

Päivi Kleemola and Pekka Jousilahti, et.al. (2000) in their research study "Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Death" used coffee to test the effect of caffeine on cholesterol levels. They concluded in their study that caffeine does not increase coronary heart disease, which is caused by high cholesterol. Concurring with these findings, Sarah R. Taylor and Barbara Demmig-Adam (2007) in their study, "To sip or not to sip: the potential health risks and benefits of coffee drinking," indicated that even though coffee drinking may not be appropriate for everybody, people's cholesterol levels are not affected if they drink coffee regularly and in moderation. Likewise, Carrie H. S. Ruxton (2009), in her study, "The health effects of black tea and flavonoids," suggested that caffeine, specifically black tea, is clearly associated with the prevention of heart disease. When consumed in moderation, caffeine appears not have a harmful effect on cholesterol levels.

References

• Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology; Enhanced mood and psychomotor performance by a caffeine-containing energy capsule in fatigued individuals; Emma Childs and Harriet deWitt; Volume 16(1) February 2008
• Coffee Consumption and the Risk of Coronary Heart Disease and Death; Päivi Kleemola, MSc; Pekka Jousilahti, MD, PhD; Pirjo Pietinen, DSc; Erkki Vartiainen, MD, PhD; Jaakko Tuomilehto, MD, MPolSc, PhD
• Nutrition & Food Science; Caffeine, Coffee & Health; Juliet Gray; Volume 98(6) 1998

Resources

• What Is Cholesterol?