High triglycerides, though perhaps not as familiar to most people as high cholesterol, are just as important as cholesterol when it comes to good health. According to MayoClinic.com, triglycerides are another form of fat found in your blood, the result of ingesting excess calories over time. Excessively high triglycerides increase your risk of heart disease, so it's important to keep them in check. One way to do so is through a healthy diet, which can include snacks and treats, as long as you pick the right kinds.
Triglyceride Basics
Before you can choose healthy, triglyceride-lowering foods, you need to understand what raises your triglyceride level. MayoClinic.com explains triglycerides are converted from calories that your body does not require right away for energy. While your body does use triglycerides for energy later -- such as between meals -- if you continually eat too many simple carbs and unhealthy foods, your triglyceride level will become overly high, which can negatively affect your health.
Which Foods Raise Triglycerides?
Your diet greatly affects your triglyceride level. According to the Cleveland Clinic, foods that are high in simple sugars raise your triglyceride level the most. Examples of simple-sugar foods include sugary drinks, like juices and sodas; candy and gum; syrups, jams and jellies; sugared cereals; cookies, cakes and other baked goods; most granola bars; and ice cream and other desserts. It may appear there are no triglycerides-lowering snacks and treats left to pick, but don't worry -- good choices exist.
Foods for Lowering Triglycerides
In addition to recommending that you cut down on sweets, refined grains, saturated fats and trans fats to lower your triglycerides, the University of Massachusetts Medical School also advises that you adopt an eating plan high in healthy fats, fiber, and plant-based foods. This leaves you plenty of options for snacks and treats. Fresh fruit is an obvious choice; it's high in fiber, low in fat and naturally sweet, which most people enjoy. Other good choices for snacks include nuts without added flavorings or sugar, whole-grain crackers, unbuttered popcorn, avocados, apple or banana slices dipped in no-sugar-added peanut butter, olives, almond or cashew butter on whole-grain bread or toast, roasted soybeans and raw veggies dipped in hummus. As for sweet treats, in addition to fresh fruit, you might want to try low-sugar versions of puddings, gelatin, cookies and other sweets, such as those flavored with sugar substitutes, advises the Cleveland Clinic.
Considerations
High triglycerides are a serious health condition that may require medical treatment. If you are concerned about your triglyceride level or have questions about which dietary choices help treat high triglycerides, see your doctor for a full evaluation and treatment recommendations. A registered dietitian can also give you advice and ideas for tasty foods that are good for your triglyceride level.
