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Boiled coffee does not increase serum cholesterol in gerbils and hamsters
R P Mensink1, P L Zock, M B Katan
1Department of Human Nutrition, Agricultural University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Zeitschrift Fur Ernahrungswissenschaft
|March 1, 1992
Summary
Boiled coffee may raise cholesterol, but this study found no effect in gerbils or hamsters. The cholesterol-raising factor might be absent in these animals or lost during freeze-drying.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Biochemistry
- Animal Models
Background:
- Drip filter coffee consumption does not alter serum cholesterol.
- Boiled coffee consumption is associated with increased serum cholesterol levels in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the specific component in boiled coffee responsible for increasing serum cholesterol.
- To establish a suitable animal model for studying the effects of boiled coffee on cholesterol levels.
Main Methods:
- Male gerbils and hamsters were fed control diets or diets supplemented with freeze-dried boiled or filtered coffee for five weeks.
- Serum cholesterol levels were measured in all animal groups after the feeding period.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in serum cholesterol levels were observed between the control and coffee-fed groups in either gerbils or hamsters.
- The study did not identify a cholesterol-raising effect of boiled coffee in the selected animal models.
Conclusions:
- Gerbils and hamsters may not be suitable animal models for investigating the cholesterol-raising effects of boiled coffee.
- The cholesterol-elevating compound in boiled coffee may be removed or degraded during freeze-drying.