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Definition of Triglycerides

What are triglycerides ?

The major form of fat stored by the body. A triglyceride consists of three molecules of fatty acid combined with a molecule of the alcohol glycerol. Triglycerides serve as the backbone of many types of lipids (fats). Triglycerides come from the food we eat as well as from being produced by the body.

Triglyceride levels are influenced by recent fat and alcohol intake, and should be measured after fasting for at least 12 hours. A period of abstinence from alcohol is advised before testing for triglycerides.

Elevated triglyceride levels are considered to be a risk factor for atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) because many of the triglyceride-containing lipoproteins that transport fat in the bloodstream also transport cholesterol, a known contributor to atherosclerosis.

Markedly high triglyceride levels (greater than 500mg/dl) can cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Therefore, these high levels should be treated aggressively with low fat diets and medications, if needed.

The word "triglyceride" reflects the fact that a triglyceride consists of three ("tri-") molecules of fatty acid combined with a molecule of the alcohol glycerol ("-glyceride") that serves as the backbone in many types of lipids (fats).

Triglycerides are derived from fats eaten in foods or made in the body from other energy sources like carbohydrates. Calories ingested in a meal and not used immediately by tissues are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells to be stored. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from fat tissue so they meet the body's needs for energy between meals.

How is an excess of triglycerides harmful?

Excess triglycerides is called hypertriglyceridemia. It's linked to the occurrence of coronary artery disease in some people. Elevated triglycerides may be a consequence of other disease, such as untreated diabetes mellitus. Like cholesterol, increases in triglyceride levels can be detected by plasma measurements. These measurements should be made after an overnight food and alcohol fast.

The National Cholesterol Education Program guidelines for triglycerides are:

AHA Recommendation — Dietary treatment goals

Changes in lifestyle habits are the main therapy for hypertriglyceridemia. These are the changes you need to make:

• If you're overweight, cut down on calories to reach your ideal body weight. This includes all sources of calories, from fats, proteins, carbohydrates and alcohol. 
• Reduce the saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol content of your diet. 
• Reduce your intake of alcohol considerably. Even small amounts of alcohol can lead to large changes in triglyceride levels.
• Eat fruits, vegetables and nonfat or low-fat dairy products most often. 
• Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on five or more days each week. 
• People with high triglycerides may need to substitute monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats —such as those found in canola oil, olive oil or liquid margarine — for saturated fats. Substituting carbohydrates for fats may raise triglyceride levels and may decrease HDL ("good") cholesterol in some people. 
• Substitute fish high in omega-3 fatty acids instead of meats high in saturated fat like hamburger. Fatty fish like mackerel, lake trout, herring, sardines, albacore tuna and salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids.

Because other risk factors for coronary artery disease multiply the hazard from hyperlipidemia, control high blood pressure and avoid cigarette smoking. If drugs are used to treat hypertriglyceridemia, dietary management is still important. Patients should follow the specific plans laid out by their physicians and nutritionists.

There are many herbs that help to reduce elevated levels of triglycerides. Some of them are listed below and you can make these herbs a part of your regular diet.

• Garlic is considered to be a panacea for many health-related problems including high levels of triglycerides. You have the option of eating raw garlic or garlic tablets if you are particular about having a garlic breath.
• Guggul is a resin from the myrrh tree and is highly effective in reducing the high levels of serum triglyceride. You can get guggul as a supplement.
• Cayenne pepper is also considered to be good when it comes to reducing high triglyceride levels. This is primarily because of the compound capsaicin present in the pepper which is also responsible for giving the pepper its spiciness.
• Ginger is known to increase the production of bile and thereby reducing the levels of high triglyceride. Bile is important for digesting fat and triglycerides are fat. You can consume ginger by adding it into black tea and letting it boil along with the tea leaves.
• Fenugreek has been used for centuries in India for digestive problems. However, it is also a natural method of reducing elevated triglyceride levels.
• Artichoke leaves contain a compound known as cybarin, which helps to increase the production of bile fluids and thereby reducing the levels of triglycerides. If you cannot find fresh artichoke leaves, you can always opt for artichoke leaf extract, which is available as a supplement.

What fruits can you eat on a triglyceride reducing diet? You can eat only those fruits that do not have high fructose levels and they are as follows:

• Apricot
• Banana
• Cantaloupe
• Grapefruit
• Honeydew melon
• Nectarine
• Orange
• Peach
• Pear
• Pomegranate
• Prunes
• Raisins
• Watermelon
  

You can learn more about Triglyceirde from the books below :

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