💊Daily Pill: What is a Triglyceride?
👍🏼Responsive to dietary changes!
The Daily Pill is a series of very short daily posts where I share the definition of a medical term I think we should all know. Read it every morning and build up your medical vocabulary.
🍔Triglyceride
Triglycerides are a type of fat found in your blood. Whenever you eat, your body converts any excess calories it doesn’t need to use right away into triglycerides, which are then transported to and stored in your fat cells. Later - if you find yourself at an energetic deficit, hormones release these triglycerides from fat cells to be used as a source of energy.
🤔Why you need to know
High levels of triglycerides can increase the risk of certain health problems like cardiovascular disease. Eating too many carbohydrates, especially refined and sugary ones, can increase triglyceride levels in your blood. When you consume more carbs than your body needs, your body converts the excess into triglycerides which are then stored in fat cells. Dietary fat can also affect triglyceride levels - but the impact varies depending on the type of fat: Saturated fats and trans fats (often found in processed and fried foods) can raise triglyceride levels. On the other hand, unsaturated fats, like those found in nuts, seeds, fish, and olive oil, can actually help lower triglycerides. Ask your doctor to order a lipid panel next time you have a yearly checkup. Click here for my post on fats and carbs:
🧠Trivia
Some animals, particularly those in arctic environments, rely on subcutaneous fat and high triglyceride levels in their blood to provide better insulation and energy in extreme cold. This adaptation helps them maintain body heat and survive in freezing temperatures. You know who else has plenty of insulation…?