How to control the levels of Triglycerides

What is triglyceride? You must be confused, right? ;)


Okay here I'll explain what it is triglycerides. Triglycerides are fatty substances in the blood that is stored in fat cells of the body. If the level is too much may increase the risk of various diseases.

Excess calories in the body that are not used will be stored in fatty tissue called triglycerides. The function of triglycerides is the substance of energy. Fat is stored in the body in the form of triglycerides. When cells need energy, the enzyme lipase in fat cells will break down triglycerides into glycerol and fatty acids as well take it off into the blood vessels. Cells that require components are then burned and produce energy, carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O).


Relatively normal triglyceride levels less than 150 mg / dL, borderline high category if its value is 150-199 mg / dL, categorized as high if the value is 200-499 mg / dL and the category of very high if the value is 500 mg / dL or more.

But if the level is excessive it may increase the risk of some diseases such as :

1. Hardening of the arteries that lead to atherosclerosis condition thus causing heart disease and stroke.

2. Diabetes, because if the increased levels of triglycerides in fat cells will stimulate the release of certain inflammatory cells called cytokines into the bloodstream. Will affect the body's ability to control blood sugar levels blood that increases the risk of diabetes.

3. Fatty liver disease, if high triglyceride levels will lead to excess fat cells in your body that will be stored in the liver that triggers fatty liver disease, which can cause heart complications.     

4. Xanthomas, triglyceride levels are too excessive trigger itching, acne (xanthomas) on the hands, feet, arms and buttocks. 

For that, you should know what steps are needed to control the levels of triglycerides in order not to excess :

1. Choose the right fats, avoid red meat, butter and no trans fats in fast food fried like French fries.

2. Choose the right carbs, such as wheat, oats and brown rice are in the category of complex carbohydrates, and avoid refined flour products such as pasta, bread and noodles.

3. Choose the proper protein, foods rich in omega-3 beneficial in controlling the formation of excess triglycerides such as salmon, tuna, sardines and for vegetarians can of walnuts, almonds or soaked flax seeds.

4. Eating fruits and vegetables, because they contain soluble fiber good or not so that helps control weight and lower triglyceride levels.

5. Doing sports activities to help reduce levels of fat in the body that is automatically helped reduce excess triglycerides.    

Those are some precautions you can do. to avoid excessive levels of triglycerides ;)