A quicker guide to triglycerides

This blog is about triglycerides (as you can see by the heading). I’ve already discussed cholesterol and I felt explaining triglycerides is vital as well.

In this blog, we will learn about triglycerides, what are they, what high levels do, and how to control that.

And just for my ease, I will call triglycerides “Tg” in the rest of this blog.

What are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides or Tg are types of fat that are found in the body. Both Tg and Mr. C (Cholesterol) belong to the lipid family that circulates in our blood. And, both are made in the liver.

Our body naturally contains triglycerides, but Tg also comes from food, especially from fats.

Energy is measured in calories, and when we eat extra calories these are stored as fat cells called triglycerides. These extra calories are used later when we need energy. But, when we don’t spend/use that energy it becomes body fat and this will lead to high levels of Tg and Mr. C.

Other than this, high Tg can also happen due to certain drugs/treatments, genetics, alcohol, smoking, Type-2 diabetes, thyroid disorder, etc.

What will high Triglycerides do?

High Tg may lead to the hardening of arteries. This will obstruct the flow of oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

High Tg can also lead to:

  • Heart disease
  • Brain stroke
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • High level of LDL

What are desired levels of Triglycerides?

Anything below 150 mg/dL is a good number

150-199 mg/dL is the borderline

200-499 mg/dL is considered High

Above 500 mg/dL is dangerous

Ways to control high Triglycerides

Controlling Tg is very simple.

First, you need to be active. By active, I mean you need some kind of physical activity in your life. Anything like regular 30 mins of walking, playing your favorite sports, gardening, dancing, weight training, yoga, cardio/HIIT (my favorite btw), cycling, etc. is considered good. Make sure you invest time daily to it.

A Healthy diet also has a lot to do with Tg levels. You need to include healthy fats in your diet and limit Simple carbs and Trans fats.

Limit or completely avoid smoking and alcohol.

Get sufficient sleep and limit stress.

Medication also helps, but I won’t be suggesting anything.


After reading this blog as I always suggest I want you to consult a doctor and get your Lipid profile tested. Such tests are done on an empty stomach. If you see anything peculiar, talk to your doctor for more info.

But, before that drop a like and comment on this blog

and with that remember to smile.

Some super useful blogs

48 responses to “A quicker guide to triglycerides”

  1. Great post Devang. Lots of useful information, very well presented and laid out. I like the way you also feature additional reading etc at the end. Very effective

  2. Heart issues are very common in my family so I’m glad to read posts like these that can help me change myself to avoid health issues in the future. I knew of “triglycerides” but not much about them. This was very informative.

    • Yes, you told me about that.
      And I’m sure, you are doing things to keep it controlled 😀
      A plant based diet is surely helpful.
      In every article that I’ve read, a plant based diet was praised over animal based diet.

  3. Thank you. I know someone who I was just informed tonight has blocked artery and he has gone in for surgery. 🙏🏾

  4. This post and information are really useful, Devang. Even though I’m very late reading this, I’m glad I did as I had heard of Tg but have never known what it was and what it does in the body, so I’m grateful you have shared this information. My cholesterol is high due to a genetic condition, as I’ve mentioned before. I have to take a medication called statins as this helps reduce the bad cholesterol in my body. I’m fortunate that I don’t get any side effects, either. I don’t really get any exercise but, as you know, I eat a very healthy diet. I’m hoping that will be enough to ensure I don’t get too many Tgs.

Leave a Reply

%d
Verified by MonsterInsights