Triglycerides are a type of glyceride that make up the main component of both animal fats and vegetables oils. They are necessary for the human body to some extent, as they are an important source of energy – they contain more energy than proteins and even some carbohydrates. However, triglycerides also have a harmful effect on the body when they are consumed in large quantities. They are therefore an important element in measuring cholesterol levels in the body. High cholesterol, as is widely known now, is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and a number of other health problems.
It is therefore important to reduce the amount of triglycerides in the body. This is ideally done before you reach the point where you have medical problems, but if you have already been diagnosed with high cholesterol-also known as medically hypercholesterolemia, such measures are particularly important.
Certain medications are used to bring down the levels of triglycerides in the body, but these are usually avoided, except in cases where triglyceride levels are dangerously high or are not responding to other measures for some reason. In most other cases, treatment begins with home remedies – this consists of dietary measures and lifestyle measures. An important dietary consideration is of course the consumption of fats. As mentioned earlier, both animal fats and vegetable fats contain high levels of triglycerides, and these are therefore bound to have an impact on triglyceride levels in the body. Consumption of fats should therefore be reduced. Limit your intake of red meats, fried food, junk food, and avoid consuming greasy and oily food in general. Alcohol also contributes to triglyceride levels, and consumption of alcohol should therefore be limited. Another dietary contributor to triglyceride levels is carbohydrates. Carbohydrates do not affect triglyceride levels directly in the way that fats do. However, they have a significant effect, as they affect the body’s metabolism itself. Carbohydrate intake causes insulin production to increase, and this causes an increase in the production of triglycerides in the body. Simple carbohydrates are particularly harmful in this manner – this includes pastries, other sugary foods, most junk food, and polished, refined products such as white rice and sugar.
At the same time, you should consume more of foods such as fish (particularly fatty fish like salmon) and flax seed, as they are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which help keep triglyceride levels under control. Exercise is also extremely important, and you should incorporate at least half an hour of strenuous exercise into your daily routine.