National Triglycerides Day

On March 28, National Triglycerides Day shines a spotlight on one of the key factors to a healthy lifestyle.

The observance serves as a reminder to patients and practitioners to know about the hidden risks of triglycerides. Learn your numbers and take steps to bring them to healthy levels.

High levels of triglycerides in your blood can be a risk factor for heart disease. Triglycerides are different from cholesterol, though they are both a type of lipid or fat stored in your blood. They serve different purposes. While triglycerides store unused calories and give the body energy, cholesterol builds cells and some hormones.

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides, simply put, are fat in the blood. They provide energy to our body while the extras get stored in different parts of the body. It is also referred to as cholesterol. It must be noted that cholesterol is found not only in overweight people but also in thin people. Cholesterol is made up of two things - fat and protein. There are three kinds of cholesterol: bad cholesterol, good cholesterol, and very bad cholesterol. HDL or good cholesterol is High-Density Lipoprotein with more protein and less fat with a heart-protecting effect. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) is called bad cholesterol as it has more fat and less protein. It plays a role in the making of hormones and synthesizing Vitamin D. ?VLDL (Very Low-Density Lipoprotein) or terrible cholesterol is the one we should be concerned about as it has very high fat and very less protein.

Cholesterol is an essential raw material required in the creation of the lining of our cells. Low levels of cholesterol over a long period of time impact our brain cells. In fact, one of the reasons for Alzheimer’s is chronic cholesterol deficiency, particularly among those on perpetual fat-free diets or on statins to control cholesterol levels. Therefore an intake of the right kind of fats is a preventive method to generate and maintain healthy, cellular growth.

Does eating fatty food increase cholesterol?

Natural fatty food has cholesterol but it is good for us when taken in required amounts. It is packaged fatty food that causes harm and should be avoided.

What are normal and high triglyceride levels?

The National Cholesterol Education Program sets guidelines for triglyceride levels:

• Normal levels: Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter
• Borderline high:150 to 199
• High: 200 to 499
• Very high: 500 or more

What's the difference between triglycerides and cholesterol?

Triglycerides and cholesterol are different types of lipids that circulate in your blood:

• Triglycerides store unused calories and provide your body with energy.
• Cholesterol is used to build cells and certain hormones.

What's the best way to lower triglycerides?

Healthy lifestyle choices are key:

• Exercise regularly.? Try to incorporate more physical activity into your daily tasks — for example, climb the stairs at work or take a walk during breaks.
• Avoid sugar and refined carbohydrates.?Simple carbohydrates, such as sugar and foods made with white flour or fructose, can increase triglycerides.
• Lose weight.?If you have mild to moderate hypertriglyceridemia, focus on cutting calories. Extra calories are converted to triglycerides and stored as fat. Reducing your calories will reduce triglycerides.
• Choose healthier fats.?Trade saturated fat found in meats for healthier fat found in plants, such as olive and canola oils. Instead of red meat, try fish high in omega-3 fatty acids — such as mackerel or salmon.

Reference: 
https://www.webmd.com/cholesterol-management
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-triglycerides-day-march-28/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186