Lower those triglycerides
(By Lisa Sarah John, Courtesy Bangalore
Times, Dec 18, 2006)
Triglyceride is the commonest form of fat present in foodstuffs as well as in stored fat in our body.
Triglyceride is formed when extra glucose enters the blood, and insulin converts it to triglyceride and sends it to the fat
cells to store. When this storage mechanism breaks down, the triglyceride remains in the blood. Factors
contributing to raised triglycerides:
• Family history: Those with a history of heart disease in the family, who have had a
heart attack, or have high blood lipid levels should regularly check their blood lipid profile. You may be thin and active,
yet have high triglyceride levels.
• Severe stress: Long working hours, family and financial problems etc, can cause triglyceride
levels to shoot up without warning.
• Obesity:
Overweight people are at risk, as well as those already suffering from
high BP, diabetes or gout.
• Lifestyle: Those who have had a very active childhood, done strenuous sports and suddenly
become sedentary, have chances of seeing triglyceride levels rising.
• Smoking: Heavy smokers may find the lipid picture drastically changing for the worse.
• Diet: Finally, your diet and eating habits have a profound effect on your body and can
be the one biggest contributing factor to changing or raising your triglycerides.
Everything we consume — fats, carbohydrates, proteins and alcohol are all digested to form glucose.
One teaspoon of sugar or starch gives us 20 calories of glucose, while a teaspoon of fat gives 45 calories of glucose.
All excess glucose, no matter what its origin, converts to triglycerides. With excesses coming into
the body, the triglycerides rise in the blood, and block the blood vessels and a heart attack could be around the corner.
The answer is moderation. You have to stop bingeing on food or drinks of any kind. Too may sweets or fruits can do the same.
The only things you can binge on are salads and water! Salads lower your triglycerides through fibre.
*
* * * * * *
