You may know that high cholesterol can cause heart disease, but you may not be aware that high triglyceride levels may also cause heart problems. Unused calories that you consume are turned into triglycerides, which is a type of lipid that circulates through your bloodstream. High levels of triglycerides in the blood may increase your risk of heart disease, and high-calorie foods may cause high triglyceride levels.
Red Meat
Red meat contains a large amount of saturated fat and calories, which may cause triglyceride levels to rise, according to MayoClinic.com in the article "Triglycerides: Why Do They Matter?" Eating red meat, particularly on a regular basis, may add too many unused calories to the body, which are then turned into triglycerides. Instead, MayoClinic.com recommends eating fish that contain omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon or mackerel, instead of red meat as a main dish for dinner.
Refined Carbohydrates
White bread and other refined carbohydrates, like white rice and white crackers turn into sugar quickly in the body, which may raise triglyceride levels. Breads and pastas that are "enriched" or "bleached" contain refined carbohydrates that may raise triglycerides, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Instead, eat whole grains, like oatmeal, whole-wheat crackers, whole-wheat pasta and brown rice.
Baked Goods
Store-bought baked goods may contain trans fats, which raise triglyceride levels, according to MayoClinic.com. Although foods may be labeled as having no trans fats, they may still contain as much as .5 grams of trans fat in a single serving. After eating several servings of a so-called trans-fat-free item, the trans fat may accumulate, raising triglyceride levels. Make baked goods at home and add as little sugar and saturated fat, like butter, as possible.
Candy
Foods that are high in refined sugar, like candy bars, may raise your triglyceride levels. If you can't get through the workday without a sugar fix, eat a some fruit, like a peach or a handful of grapes. In addition, candies and other foods that contain high-fructose corn syrup may cause blood sugar levels to spike.
