What’s the deal with triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat in your blood. You get them from foods containing fat, like butter, oil, and meat. Your body also converts extra calories into triglycerides, which it stores in your fat cells. Having high triglycerides increases your risk for heart disease.
Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol carries triglycerides to your tissues to use for energy. Just like LDL, high levels of VLDL can cause plaque buildup in your arteries.
Health hack
Plant sterols are natural compounds found in plant-based foods that help lower cholesterol. Getting at least 2 grams of plant sterols daily from foods like fortified orange juice, olive oil, and almond butter can help lower your LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising HDL. Another way is to drink a glass of red wine or other alcohol daily (if your doctor says it’s safe for you to drink).
