Triglycerides

Triglycerides are one of the lipids in your body which factors into your overall cholesterol level. This lipid is an important part of your count and can tip the scale for high or low cholesterol.

Your cholesterol levels are made up of three parts:

HDL – the “good” cholesterol which works against plaque building up in your arteries.

LDL – the “bad” cholesterol.  This builds in your arteries and can cause problems.

Triglycerides – a type of fat stored in your body’s cells.

The cholesterol (HDL, LDL)  in your body is different from the fat, triglycerides but all are a window into your overall levels.

Triglycerides come from fatty foods in our diet. They help control what goes in and out of your cells.  They are responsible for energy levels, absorbing vitamins and making hormones.

You want your triglycerides to be low to complement your HDL counts. There are medications to keep levels low but are lifestyle changes you can make too.

Increase your physical activity.  The recommendation is for at least 30 minutes of exercise, 5 times a week.  Walking is one way to hit that mark.

Keep a healthy weight.  Eat fewer calories and focus on fruits, vegetables and lean proteins.  Watch or cut down on sugar intake.

Choose better fats.  Eat leaner meat like chicken, butter and cheese and watch out for processed foods. Have more olive oil, nuts and fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel.  

Consume less alcohol.  Have no more than one drink a day at most.

Our bodies are complex and there are many areas to watch over.  Your cholesterol levels are one important area with triglycerides playing a big part.

Private Home Health Care hopes that this information will help focus on one way you can help your body stay healthy.