Obesity (overweight), physical inactivity, diabetes, as well as smoking and unhealthy fatty sources increase triglycerides in the body. What are triglycerides? And how do they form in our bodies? How is it diagnosed? What are their levels and what may they indicate? What are the ways to eliminate or reduce the percentage in the body? All these questions are answered in this article:
Triglycerides are made up of three molecules of fatty acids combined with a glycerol molecule, one of the types of fat the body stores. It is transported by blood and stored in fat cells. High levels of triglycerides may increase the risk of heart disease And arteriosclerosis with many other factors such as levels of good cholesterol, harmful cholesterol, saturated fats and unsaturated fats, as well as may lead to inflammation of the pancreas, and may raise the level of blood pressure and cholesterol.
The food that contains fat is digested at the end of the digestion process and may be stored in the body. Extra calories from the body’s need, whether carbohydrates, proteins or fat, may be converted into triglycerides, which are transported through the blood with the help of lipoproteins. Use in the production of energy in the event of lack of availability of sources of food, and the measurement of triglycerides using several tests, most commonly measuring the level of blood lipids after fasting for at least 12 hours.
Blood triglyceride levels are divided into:
- Regular: Less than 1.69 mmol / l.
- Elevated: 2.2 – 5.6 mmol / l.
- Very high: more than 5.65 mmol / l.
The triglycerides in the blood can be eliminated or reduced by:
- Improve lifestyle or some bad routines.
- Healthy and balanced diet.
- Regular exercise.
- Quit Smoking.
- Weight reduction.
- Reduce intake of sources of saturated fats, unsaturated fats, bad cholesterol.
- Eat some sources rich in beneficial cholesterol.
- Fish such as salmon, herring, tuna and sardines all contain high levels of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
- Replace red meat intake due to the high content of saturated fat.
- Take dietary supplements, especially for omega-3 fatty acids, but consult your doctor.