The PCNA refers to Triglycerides as the forgotten fat - what a great term, everyone is always talking about cholesterol but neglect the importance of Triglycerides. Triglycerides (TG) are a component of the lipid profile that are often overlooked. While it is important to control your LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), increased TG levels are also a risk factor for developing heart disease, especially in women and overweight men. A normal TG level is UNDER 150 mg/dl. For TG levels over 200, a woman’s risk of developing heart disease doubles. Triglycerides are both found in food and are also produced by the body. Calories eaten from carbohydrates but not immediately used by tissues in the body are changed to triglycerides and stored in fat cells for future use. High TG levels are commonly found in people who are overweight, have diabetes, or have low HDL levels.
To lower triglycerides:
Be physically active
Lose weight
Stop smoking
Avoid a diet high in sugar
Avoid carbohydrates-bread pasta rice
Eat a diet high in fiber and whole grains
Avoid alcohol
Add fish oil supplements to your diet
“Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthier Heart” is our brand new book that discusses ways women can lower their risk for heart disease by making healthy lifestyle changes. (80% of heart attacks are preventable)
The PCNA refers to Triglycerides as the forgotten fat - what a great term, everyone is always talking about cholesterol but neglect the importance of Triglycerides. Triglycerides (TG) are a component of the lipid profile that are often overlooked. While it is important to control your LDL (bad cholesterol) and HDL (good cholesterol), increased TG levels are also a risk factor for developing heart disease, especially in women and overweight men. A normal TG level is UNDER 150 mg/dl. For TG levels over 200, a woman’s risk of developing heart disease doubles. Triglycerides are both found in food and are also produced by the body. Calories eaten from carbohydrates but not immediately used by tissues in the body are changed to triglycerides and stored in fat cells for future use. High TG levels are commonly found in people who are overweight, have diabetes, or have low HDL levels.
To lower triglycerides:
Be physically active
Lose weight
Stop smoking
Avoid a diet high in sugar
Avoid carbohydrates-bread pasta rice
Eat a diet high in fiber and whole grains
Avoid alcohol
Add fish oil supplements to your diet
“Take Charge: A Woman’s Guide to a Healthier Heart” is our brand new book that discusses ways women can lower their risk for heart disease by making healthy lifestyle changes. (80% of heart attacks are preventable)
For more information please visit http://heart-strong.com/Bookstore.html (also available on amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com)