Triglycerides are a type of fat in the blood. Foods like butter, margarine and oils contain fats in triglyceride form. In addition, your body converts any unused calories into triglycerides to store for later use. To reduce your risk for heart disease, the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States, maintain your triglyceride levels at less than 150 milligrams per deciliter. Because fruit juice contains added sugar and high levels of natural fruit sugar, drinking fruit juice can elevate triglyceride levels.
Triglycerides
During the process of digestion, your body breaks down food particles into tiny molecules the cells lining the small intestine can absorb. Carbohydrates serve as the main source of energy because they consist of sugar molecules. Your body absorbs the sugar molecules and converts them to glucose -- the type of sugar molecule in the blood that supplies the cells with energy. Some carbohydrates contain complex sugars that take longer to break down, and some, like fruit juice, contain simple sugars. When you eat foods that contain simple sugar, your body quickly breaks it down and absorbs it into the blood. Cells throughout your body bind to the glucose and intake it to use it as a source of energy. When the blood has more glucose than your cells need, your body converts it into triglycerides.
Effect
Although scientists and doctors do not yet understand the exact mechanism, high triglyceride levels, like high cholesterol levels, increase your risk for heart disease. High triglyceride levels may contribute to the process of atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which inhibits the flow of blood to the heart and increases your risk for stroke and heart attack. In addition, high triglyceride levels are often associated with conditions like obesity and high blood glucose levels that also increase your risk for heart disease.
Juice vs. Fresh Fruit
Fruits, including fresh fruit and fruit juice, contain sugar molecules known as fructose. The Heart and Vascular Institute of Florida reports that eating large amounts of fructose increases blood sugar levels and triglyceride levels. Although your body processes all fructose the same, regardless of the source, fruit juice may contain added sugars and a higher calorie content. For this reason you should replace fruit juice with fresh fruit that contains fewer calories, more minerals, more vitamins and fiber.
Tips
If your triglyceride levels are high, you can make changes to your diet to lower them. The most important factor -- lower your daily calorie intake. This limits the number of unused calories, lowers the production of triglycerides and helps you lose weight. To lower your calorie intak, limit your consumption of sugar-sweetened drinks, including colas, fruit juice, lemonade and sweet tea. Avoid adding table sugar and brown sugar to foods like cereal and oatmeal. The Cleveland Clinic reports that your daily sugar intake should account for no more than 8 percent of your total calories. Next time you crave apple juice, reach for an apple, a great source of vitamin A, potassium and fiber, along with a glass of water.
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