Does coffee increase your cholesterol?

Yes and No. Here's why...

Cafestol, a compound found in coffee, has been found to be the culprit that elevates cholesterol. Researchers have found that cafestol is the most potent dietary cholesterol-elevating agent presently known.

Researchers have found that Cafetiere, or French press coffee, boiled Scandinavian brew and espresso contain the highest levels of the cafestol. However, when brewed with a paper filter, all the coffee oils, including cafestol, gets filtered out. (NOTE: Removing caffeine does not remove cafestol).

Therefore, if you are a coffee lover, just ensure you use paper filters when brewing your favorite coffee.
NOTE: Starbucks does NOT use coffee filters, but Tim Horton's and Second Cup does.