When you eat too many calories and do not use those calories for energy, your body converts them into triglycerides and stores them in your cells as fat. The American Heart Association states triglycerides are the chemical form of fat that is found in the body and in food. The association also states that the higher the levels of triglycerides in the blood, the higher the risk is for coronary artery disease. You can help control your triglyceride levels by planning meals that include healthy dietary choices.
Significance
The amount of triglycerides in your body is significant. The National Library of Medicine states that high triglycerides can contribute to the hardening and narrowing of your arteries, which puts you at risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Triglycerides are related to cholesterol and are usually measured during a cholesterol test. Normal triglyceride levels are below 150 and levels above 200 are considered high.
Fat Recommendations
The American Heart Association states the you can lower your triglyceride levels by changing your lifestyle through diet and exercise. There are a few key lifestyle changes that you can make. The first one is to limit bad fats and eat good fats. Bad fats are saturated fats and trans fats that are found in animal products and processed foods. These contribute to high cholesterol levels and increase triglycerides. Good fats are found in healthy oils and fish and they include unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, which can lower your risk of heart disease.
Fruits and Vegetables
The second lifestyle habit is to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. The Harvard School of Public Health states that what you eat is one of the most important lifestyle habits that you can have and thus it recommends plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts and plenty of water. These foods provide the nutrients that your body needs to lower cholesterol levels and support optimal health.
Exercise
Harvard states that all healthy diets should be accompanied by exercise. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week to help lower triglycerides and to maintain a healthy body weight.
Benefits
By changing lifestyle habits involving diet and exercise, you can lower your risk for chronic disease and improve the function of your body. The American Heart Association states that changes in lifestyle habits are the main therapy for hypertriglyceridemia. In addition, the National Library of Medicine states that other treatment for high triglycerides includes medical treatment and the use of cholesterol-lowering medicines.
