The Morning Drink That Can Help Lower Your Cholesterol

You probably already have it in your kitchen.

If you’re reading this, it’s safe to say you’re probably looking to lower your cholesterol. Whether it’s on the higher side already or getting to that point, it’s never too late to start keeping an eye on your heart health. You may have already consulted with your doctor or cardiologist to talk about lifestyle changes and medications; however, there’s one morning drink that you may want to consider adding to your routine if you haven’t already.

According to John Hopkins Medicine, a normal amount of cholesterol for adults is less than 200 mg/dL and a high level is above 250 mg/dL. With cholesterol, it’s important to consider other factors such as other risk factors, age and underlying health conditions.

Ahead, we spoke with a cardiologist about the morning drink that can help lower cholesterol. Hint: Many people already drink several cups of it daily (maybe even more than one) for some.

This Morning Drink Can Help Lower Your Cholesterol, According to Cardiologists

Black coffee without cream and sugar. Yes, you read that right. Black coffee without the cream and sugar may help lower your cholesterol.

“Black coffee itself has very few calories and no fats or sugars, so it doesn’t contribute to weight gain, saturated fat intake or added sugars—all of which can raise cholesterol over time,” says Dr. Deepak Talreja, internal medicine cardiologist and director of cardiology at Sentara Health. “When you skip the cream and sugar, you’re avoiding two common culprits—cream adds saturated fat which can raise LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and sugar, which adds empty calories and can worsen triglycerides.”

So, while coffee isn’t a cholesterol-lowering medicine, drinking it black is a healthier choice compared to sweetened or high-fat coffee drinks, Dr. Talreja adds.

How To Prepare Your Morning Coffee With Cholesterol in Mind

According to Dr. Talreja, research has shown a mixed relationship between coffee and cholesterol. “Filtered coffee (like drip coffee) generally does not raise cholesterol,” he explains. “On the flipside, unfiltered coffee (like French press or espresso) contains natural oils called cafestol and kahweol that can raise LDL cholesterol if consumed in large amounts.”

If you’re monitoring your cholesterol levels, then you’ll want to pay more attention to how you brew your morning cup of joe—Keurig machines are general safe bets (plus, they’re quick and easy).

Read More: https://parade.com/health/morning-drink-to-help-lower-cholesterol-according-to-cardiologists