By Andrea Pelin,
Project Weight Loss Editor in Chief
February 06, 2008The LDL cholesterol, also known as “bad” cholesterol, is one of the main causes of cardiovascular diseases in the public`s awareness. However, bloodstream triglycerides are also a common form of fat found in large amounts in food and researchers are now focused on how triglycerides influence the development of heart diseases.
Triglycerides are the main constituent of animal fats and vegetable oil. These chemical compounds play a key role as transporters of dietary fat, energy sources, and they can influence metabolism.
High levels of bloodstream triglycerides are connected to increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and atherosclerosis. However, the levels of triglycerides can be kept under control and lifestyle changes are a good place to start. Here are a few ways to reduce the bloodstream triglycerides:
#1: Reduce the amounts of saturated fats and trans fat in your diet. These fats are common in red meat, full-fat dairy products, and in fried foods.
#2: Eat more whole grains and avoid sugary drinks and foods.
#3: Pay attention to your alcohol consumption. While moderate amounts of alcohol are good for the heart, for some people alcohol can increase triglycerides levels. People should avoid alcohol for almost three weeks and then check the levels of triglycerides in order to determine whether alcohol boosts triglycerides in your body or not.
#4: Omega-3 fatty acids usually found in fish can be used in order to lower bloodstream triglycerides.
#5: Moderate weight loss of up to ten percent of the body weight can lower triglycerides.
#6: Moderate physical activity can boost the HDL cholesterol and lower triglycerides.
#7: Triglycerides levels can be decreased by medication such as cholesterol-lowering statins, fish oil, niacin, and fibrates.
#8: Stop smoking! Researchers believe smoking can increase triglycerides levels.
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Project Weight Loss. All rights reserved.
