I recently found out that my cholesterol was in the middle range of high. It was a bit surprising as I’d been working on trying to lower it.
Concerning coffee, I use a Bialettti 4 stovetop coffee maker daily. Depending on how strong I’d like it, I usually fill the basket anywhere from half full to around 2/3’s full. Usually 2 brews a day, sometimes 3.
Since utilising a paper filter per cup about 3 days ago, yes, it’s changed the mouthfeel and body of the coffee, but my stomach and digestive system is already much happier without the ultra-fines and oils apparently.
Adding one, also creates a better seal to create a heat closer to optimal, before/during the extraction process, as well as creating slightly more pressure during the extraction.
After tweaking the grind to compensate for the paper filter, all that’s left to do now is get used to this new flavour/way of drinking coffee. It’s also nice to feel a much cleaner caffeine kick without the ultra-fines/oils having an effect on the feeling.
Coupled with the additional changes, I’ll be interested to see how much lower I can get my ldl cholesterol in the next 6 weeks. I’ll add an update when I get the blood results. I don’t want to take any statins unless I absolutely have to.
Where do you put the paper filter? I couldn’t find rounds the right size for mine, you lay it on top of the grounds?
On cholesterol - mine has always been high no matter the diet so the doctor sent me for a quick “calcium score” test which came back showing zero buildup in the arteries, so he advised against statins. Not sure if you are old enough for that to be relevant, but there are other tests that measure the size of LDL particles, etc. to see if they are a dangerous type. Statins are an old and safe drug, of course, no real reason to worry about them just wanted to point out cholesterol is more complicated than just high or low.
I have the most luck inserting the filter into the top, pressed right against the metal screen, and then screwing that all down on the base.
I just got a box of 300 x 56mm paper filters and I cut slightly less than 1cm of diameter off from its circumference. I then prepare the grind and get it level in the basket.
It’s surprised me how easy it was to cut the paper down to the right size (can’t be too large or the two pieces won’t seal against the rubber seal properly).
Just before screwing the bottom to the top, I wet the filter paper adequately and then stick it to the underside of the top half, making sure that the rubber seal will not be affected by it, then screw the two halves together and then it’s good to go.
Edit: you’re right, I do need to find out more about my high cholesterol… my old man doesn’t have high calcium, and he got that test, his arteries are fine. Hopefully, mine are also geared that way due to how my body processes calcium.
I do need to have some further testing done concerning the high ldl cholesterol, you’re right, thanks for the reminder to do so.