Triglycerides are a part of cholesterol that serves as a chemical form of fat that is found both in foods and in the body. While some level of triglycerides is necessary in the body in order to provide energy between meals, excessively high levels (higher than 200 mg/dL) of triglycerides can cause complications such as coronary artery disease. If you have high triglyceride levels in the body, a physician may recommend avoiding or limiting the consumption of certain foods.
Alcohol
Drinking even small amounts of beer, wine, liquor, wine coolers and liqueur has been associated with dramatically raising triglyceride levels in the body. Men should not consume more than two servings of alcohol per day (3 ounces of wine or 12 ounces of beer) while women should not consume more than one serving per day.
Saturated Fats
Saturated fats are fats that are solid at room temperature. These include a variety of high-fat foods, including high-fat steaks, hamburger meats, butter, shortening, fried foods, whole milk, dairy products made from whole milk, full-fat cheeses and cream cheese or fast-food options. According to the Cleveland Clinic, your daily saturated fat intake should be limited to less than 7 percent of your total daily calorie intake.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are processed or manmade fats that are designed to extend the shelf life of food products such as fried foods, cakes, pies, crackers, fast food and margarine. Avoid trans fats whenever possible as they are linked with hardening of the arteries.
Simple Sugars
Sugar-containing products can significantly contribute to raising triglyceride levels. The excess amounts of sugar in the blood causes the liver to make more triglycerides. Sugar is one of the largest contributors to a diet high in triglycerides.
These include a variety of foods, such as hard candies, chocolate, candy bars, gummy bears, syrups, puddings, gelatin, cookies, pastries, pies, cakes, granola bars, ice cream and frozen yogurt. Some labels may not list sugar as an ingredient; instead they may label ingredients such as: sucrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, maltose, molasses or honey.
Miscellaneous Sources
As a general rule, any foods that are prepackaged or labeled as convenience foods contain some level of triglycerides. This includes bagels, pasta, rice, potatoes, pizza, pretzels, popcorn, chips, sports drinks, energy bars, fruit punch, soda, sweetened coffee drinks and cereals.
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