Triglycerides

• Determined by the amount of fat in foods that enter the bloodstream, triglyceride levels fluctuate. Triglycerides are not cholesterol, which originates in the liver.
  
  

Guidelines for Triglyceride Levels

• According to the American Heart Association, "Normal levels are less that 150 mg/dL and borderline-high is 150 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL. High is 201 mg/dL to 499 mg/dL, and very high is 500 mg/dL or higher."
  
  

Foods that have a Negative Effect

• Flavored yogurt can raise trigylceride levels.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of nutmeg) (megan soh
  
  Triglyceride levels increase with simple sugar intake; this includes natural sugars such as sucrose, honey and molasses. Saturated and trans fats consumed in excess will raise triglyceride levels. Alcohol may also play a part in elevated triglyceride levels. Red meat, flavored yogurt and energy bars have the ability to raise triglyceride levels.
  
  

Foods that have a Positive Effect

• Cauliflower has a positive effect on triglyceride levels.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of liz west
  
  Foods with a positive effect on triglyceride levels are fatty fish like mackerel, salmon and tuna; soy foods; walnuts; flax seeds; leans meats (chicken, veal, turkey); dark green vegetables; cauliflower and celery.
  
  

Conclusion

• Keeping triglyceride levels low is the way to optimum health and preventing heart disease. A combination of regular exercise and a low-sugar diet combined with healthy fats, lean meats and leafy green vegetables will keep those triglycerides at a normal level.