Diet is one of the main reasons that people have health problems. Eating a diet that is low in vitamins and nutrients makes the body have a more difficult time staying healthy. Having a poor diet can cause many life-threatening complications down the line. One of the main reasons that people get into trouble with having high triglyceride levels is because they have an unhealthy diet. Eating foods that are high in vitamins and minerals, and low in bad cholesterol and fats will ensure that a person will have lower levels of triglycerides in their body. Knowing what foods to avoid will make going grocery shopping much easier for a person who is concerned about their triglyceride levels.
1.) Foods With Saturated Fat
Foods with saturated fat in them tend to lower the good cholesterol, or HDL in the body. This means that triglyceride levels are likely to rise. Foods that have a high-level of saturated fat in them are: red meat, poultry skin, high-fat dairy products, shellfish and butter. A person who has high levels of triglycerides will want to try foods that have monounsaturated fats like: avocados, salmon, non-fat dairy products, canola oil and nuts.
2.) Starchy Foods
Starchy foods are very high in carbohydrates. Triglycerides happen when the body converts unneeded carbs into triglycerides, which are a type of fat. This is why starchy foods are bad for people with elevated triglyceride levels. Pasta, potatoes, and cereals can all raise triglyceride levels. People can still have these foods but it is important to have the right portions of this type of food. 1/3 cup of rice or pasta is okay, as well a 1/2 cup of potatoes or cooked oatmeal.
3.) Sugary Drinks
Many people may not realize that much of the sugar they get comes from the drinks that they have every day. The sugar can come from tea, fruit juices, soda and coffee. Much of that sugar will be turned into triglycerides. A person should have no more than eight ounces of a sugary drinks per day. Water is always the best choice.
4.) Too Much Fruit
Fruit is usually a good thing for a person who is watching what they eat. However, a person who has high levels of triglycerides needs to be cautious of how much fruit they have per day. Fruit is high in natural sugars, and sugars can be turned into triglycerides. Two to three pieces of fruit per day is an ideal amount for a person who is watching their triglyceride levels.
5.) Baked Goods
Although pastries like cakes and cupcakes are many people’s guilty pleasure, they are not ideal for people with high triglyceride levels. This is because of the butter that is baked into these delicious treats. Many of the pre-packaged baked goods are also very high in trans-fat. Trans-fat is something that boosts the amount of triglycerides in the body and should be avoided altogether. It is okay to indulge every once in a while, but these foods will only hurt the triglyceride levels in the body.