Triglycerides #101

To follow up on our latest discussions of healthy foods I wanted to attempt to more understand triglycerides and how they effect us.   When we talk about cholesterol levels most heart patients have a pretty good knowledge of their levels, what the levels mean as far as good and not good, and foods that effect cholesterol one way or the other.   If you read your cholesterol test results you will always find triglycerides listed.  If you were like me I had no idea of how they effected me or what the levels meant.

There are many types of triglycerides, depending on their source of fatty acids.  Some are highly unsaturated, some much less.  In humans, triglycerides are used to store unused calories in your blood.  The stored calories are used when your body requires fatty acids as an energy source.  Your brain uses a component of triglycerides converted to glucose as energy.   Medical studies have linked high triglyceride levels to the hardening of the arteries, cardiovascular disease, and strokes.  Levels: <150 normal, low risk. 151-199 slightly above normal.  200-499 high.  >500 very high, high risk.

To lower triglyceride levels, eat less carbohydrates, regularly exercise, and eat more foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.  More fish and flax seeds.   Okay, time for me to preach  to the choir.  Understanding triglycerides, a natural substance needed by our bodies, follows the same theme we continue to encounter when studying our cardiovascular health and how foods effect us.  Consuming too much of a natural substance through our diets, leads to more than our bodies need, will use, or can regulate, which leads to poor health issues.   To finish on this subject the top 5 foods rich in omega-3 fats are: 1. flax seeds 2. walnuts  3. salmon  4. sardines  5. soybeans.

I have never eaten flax seed that I know of and want to learn more about their benefit to our health.   We already know they are one of the most rich in omega-3 fatty acids which are good for cardiovascular health.  Omega-3 fats are used by the body to produce anti-inflammatory substances.  A fat acid found in flax seed, omega-3, help reduce bone loss and promote bone health as we age.   Flax seed fatty acids also promote the reduction of the formation of blood clots in persons with heart disease,  helps lower blood pressure, and reduces cholesterol levels.    Worlds Healthiest Foods rates flax seeds as an excellent source of omega-3 fats.  Flax seeds can be eaten whole, or ground and added to salads, soups, vegetables.   They can be sprinkled over cereal, oatmeal, or added to smoothies.   I am going to try some and will let you know what I think of them.

Hey, do not forget to let your mother know how important she is to you on Mothers Day, May 13th.