Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Triglycerides


 
A Triglyceride is a neutral fat molecule consisting of a molecule of glycerol and three fatty acid tails.  Triglycerides are the body’s most concentrated source of energy fuel.  Triglycerides are a type of lipid found in your blood.  If you don’t maintain healthy triglyceride levels, you may suffer health issues, especially heart disease. I chose to write about this, as my paternal side of my family has heart issues.

In doing my research I found out what the normal and abnormal levels are in maintaining a healthy life. 

·         Normal– less than 150 milligrams per deciliter
·         Borderline– 150 – 199 milligrams per deciliter
·         High-  200 to 499 milligrams per deciliter
·         Very high- 500 milligrams per deciliter

Triglycerides store unused calories that supply our body with energy. Triglycerides can’t dissolve in our blood stream; they circulate within our bodies with the help of proteins that transport lipids.

One option in controlling healthy triglycerides, is taking vitamins. Vitamin E is an antioxidant and may help against heart disease. This vitamin helps in decreasing the cholesterol in your blood vessels.    
                                                                                                                                                 Niacin helps with lowering the bad cholesterol which can interfere with your liver.  Biotin is another vitamin that can help with the prevention of diabetes.  Please remember to always check with your physician before starting any vitamin regimen.

Foods play a big role in maintaining a healthy lifestyles and triglycerides.  If we must indulge in unhealthy foods, we must consume these in moderation. 

·         Alcohol: Beer, wine, hard liquor
·         Saturated fats: including butter, animal fat, fried food, whole milk, cheese & red meats
·         Trans fats: fast food, commercial snack foods, pastries
·         Sugar: honey, jams, doughnuts, ice cream
·         Beverages: fruit juices, fruit drinks, sodas, smoothies.
·         Starch: Bagels, pasta, rice, potatoes

It is important to eat healthy, exercise at least 20 minutes per day and pay attention to what you put into your body.  Triglycerides are just one part of your body’s many functions that you have to take care of, in order to live a healthy and happy life.

“Sources”

Vitamins for Triglycerides, Author, Jenna Marie, http://www.livestrong.com/article/199251-vitamins-for-triglycerides/
February 19, 2013

February 19, 2013

Triglycerides: Why do they Matter? Author, Mayo Clinic staff, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/triglycerides
February 19, 2013

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