Cholesterol and triglycerides are two lipids that circulate through your bloodstream. Each lipid has its own independent function and, because of this, is important to your health. When your cholesterol and triglyceride levels get too high, however, they damage your arteries and put you at an increased risk for heart disease. One of the main risk factors for high cholesterol and triglycerides is your diet.
Fatty Foods
Fat, specifically saturated fat and trans fat, is the main dietary culprit when it comes to increased cholesterol levels. Saturated fat increases the amount of bad, or LDL, cholesterol in your blood. The most common source of saturated fats in the diet is food from animal sources, such as meat, cheese, whole milk, butter and cream. Some oils, such as coconut oil, palm oil and hydrogenated vegetable oil, also contain saturated fat.
Trans fat is especially dangerous because it not only increases your bad cholesterol, but it also decreases your good cholesterol. This combination puts you at a significantly increased risk for heart disease. Fried foods, such as fried chicken and French fries, may contain trans fats, as do commercially baked foods, such as cookies and crackers. Some margarine and vegetable shortenings also contain trans fats.
Cholesterol-Rich Foods
Dietary cholesterol also raises blood cholesterol levels, although to a lesser degree than does fat. Animal foods are the only source of cholesterol in the diet; plant foods do not contain any cholesterol. The richest sources of cholesterol include egg yolks, beef, butter, lamb and organ meats, such as liver.
Sugary Foods
When it comes to high triglyceride levels, place the blame on sugary foods. Consuming foods and drinks that are high in simple sugars -- such as sucrose, fructose and glucose -- significantly raises your triglyceride levels. Examples of sugary foods include jams, jellies, hard candy, fruit snacks, ice cream, cookies, cakes, pies and granola bars. Some breakfast cereals also contain a lot of added sugar. Sugary beverages include sweetened iced tea, soda, fruit juice, lemonade and fruity drinks. Many alcoholic beverages are also classified as being high in sugar.
Refined Grains
Refined grains, which are grains that have gone through a milling process to remove some components of the grain plant, also raise triglyceride levels, because your body cannot differentiate between refined grains and simple sugars. Examples of refined grains include white bread, crackers, processed cereals, white rice, white pasta, desserts and pastries.
