You may have heard the term "triglycerides" during a blood test. Triglycerides are a type of fat that the body produces from fatty foods and unused calories and then stores in fat cells.

Triglycerides provide energy for the body. However, having high triglyceride levels increases your risk of developing heart disease, a heart attack, or a stroke. As a result, you should be cautious of the foods and beverages you consume, particularly those that may raise your triglyceride levels.

Foods and drinks that can increase triglycerides

Foods high in saturated fat

Saturated fat is one of the foods and drinks that can raise your triglycerides. Saturated fat is an unhealthy fat because it raises LDL (bad cholesterol) levels. Saturated fat can be found in a variety of animal foods and dairy products, including sirloin, lamb, pork belly and sausages, poultry with skin, butter and cream, cheese, and ice cream.

Foods high in trans fats

Trans fats are also unhealthy and can raise LDL levels. These fats are available in two forms: natural and artificial. Animal products, such as meat and dairy, naturally contain these fats. Natural trans fats are in small amounts but can have a negative impact on heart health if consumed in excess.

The next type of trans fat is artificial trans fat, which is created through the hydrogenation process and can be found in fried foods, baked goods, frozen pizza, frozen foods, and solid margarine.

Foods and beverages with added sugar

Foods and beverages with added sugar can raise triglyceride levels in the blood. These foods include candies, cakes, pastries, donuts, ice cream, soft drinks, energy drinks, sweetened coffee, instant coffee, and packaged fruit juices.

High-calorie foods

High-calorie foods can raise triglycerides and lead to weight gain. These foods include sausages, bacon, salami, fast food, fried foods, chips, and chocolate.

Refined carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates are carbs that have been stripped of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, resulting in a product that is high in calories but low in nutrition. Refined carbohydrates include white bread, white pasta, white rice, candy, sugary snacks, syrups, and processed breakfast cereals.

Starchy foods

Starchy foods are good sources of complex carbohydrates for the body. However, excessive consumption can raise blood triglyceride levels. Starchy foods include bread, potatoes, pasta, noodles, cereal, biscuits, rice, and corn.

Alcoholic beverages

When you consume alcohol, your liver breaks it down into triglycerides and cholesterol. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise triglyceride and cholesterol levels in your blood.

It is critical to keep in mind that eating and drinking are not the only things that raise triglyceride levels. Triglyceride levels in the blood are also influenced by health conditions, genetics, a lack of exercise, and tobacco use.

If you want to lower your triglycerides, you should first consult with a doctor or nutritionist. They can recommend treatments and lifestyle changes that are necessary to maintain high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.

Have other questions about triglycerides and cholesterol? You can make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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