If you're constantly hitting the office coffee machine for that much-needed caffeine boost, you might want to rethink your choice of brew. Recent research by Swedish scientists has revealed that coffee from workplace machines, especially in healthcare settings, contains high levels of cafestol and kahweol—compounds that can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol and contribute to plaque buildup in your arteries. These compounds are more prevalent in coffee brewed using metal filters, which are commonly found in office machines.

The study showed that coffee made with metal filters had cafestol levels of 176 mg/L, significantly higher than the 12 mg/L found in paper-filtered coffee. This elevated concentration of harmful compounds could negatively impact your cardiovascular health by increasing cholesterol and lowering HDL (good) cholesterol.

So, how can you enjoy your coffee safely? Opt for paper-filtered coffee, as it traps oils and harmful compounds, offering a healthier brew. This type of coffee not only reduces cholesterol levels but also provides heart-boosting antioxidants. For your heart's sake, stick to filtered coffee at work!