Misconceptions

• Triglycerides are actually necessary for the health and survival of the body. Ninety-five percent of the body's fatty tissue is comprised of triglycerides. These triglycerides act as an insulator and a storable source of energy among other vital functions.
  
  

Effects of Elevated Triglyceride Levels

• The danger associated with triglycerides occurs when an excess amount of triglycerides are present in the plasma bloodstream. Elevated plasma triglyceride levels have been associated with an elevated risk for coronary disease and acute pancreatitis.
  
  

Causes of Elevated Triglyceride Levels

• Eating floods your body with a new supply of fuel (calories). Your body converts nearly every calorie it doesn't use immediately into triglycerides so they can be stored for later use. If you routinely consume more calories than you burn you might have elevated amounts of triglycerides in your blood.
  
  

Prevention/Solution

• In addition to curbing your calorie intake to avoid a large excess of calories that would then be converted into triglycerides, you also need to significantly reduce your amount of dietary triglycerides by abstaining from fatty foods. Aerobic exercise is also beneficial in reducing triglyceride levels.
  
  

Types

• Not all fats are bad for triglyceride levels. Hydrogenated trans and saturated fats are the ones to be avoided because they introduce dietary triglycerides into your system. Unsaturated fats on the other hand, such as omega-3 fatty acids, are good for heart health.