Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in your bloodstream. High levels of triglycerides can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

While diet plays a major role in regulating your triglyceride levels, certain beverages can also have an effect. Below are some surprising drinks that can increase your triglycerides.

Sweetened Beverages

Sweetened beverages such as soda, sports drinks, and fruit juices can increase your triglyceride levels. These drinks are high in added sugars, which your body converts into triglycerides.

In fact, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that consuming sugary drinks was associated with increased triglyceride levels, even in people who were otherwise healthy.

Alcoholic Beverages

Drinking too much alcohol can also raise your triglyceride levels. Alcohol is metabolized in the liver, which can lead to an increase in triglyceride production.

According to the American Heart Association, men should limit their alcohol intake to two drinks per day, while women should limit their alcohol intake to one drink per day.

Coffee

Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the world, but it can also have an effect on your triglyceride levels.

While moderate coffee consumption has been associated with a reduced risk of heart disease, drinking too much coffee can increase your triglyceride levels. This is because coffee can raise your blood sugar levels, which can lead to an increase in triglyceride production.

Tea

Tea is a popular beverage that has been consumed for thousands of years. While tea has many health benefits, some types of tea can also increase your triglyceride levels.

For example, black tea, which is a type of tea that is fermented and oxidized, has been shown to increase triglyceride levels in some people.

Fruit Smoothies

Fruit smoothies are a popular health drink, but they can also be high in sugar. When you blend fruit, you break down the fiber, which can cause the sugar in the fruit to be absorbed more quickly. This can lead to an increase in triglyceride production.

To keep your triglyceride levels in check, it’s important to choose low-sugar fruits and to limit the amount of fruit you put in your smoothies.

Energy Drinks

Energy drinks are popular among athletes and people who need a quick boost of energy. However, these drinks can also increase your triglyceride levels.

Energy drinks are often high in sugar and caffeine, which can lead to an increase in triglyceride production. In addition, some energy drinks also contain taurine, which has been shown to increase triglyceride levels in some people.

Milkshakes

Milkshakes are a popular dessert drink, but they are also high in calories and sugar. Drinking a milkshake can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels, which can lead to an increase in triglyceride production.

To keep your triglyceride levels in check, it’s important to limit your intake of high-calorie and high-sugar beverages like milkshakes.

Sport Drinks

Sport drinks are popular among athletes and people who engage in intense physical activity. While these drinks can help you rehydrate and replenish your electrolytes, they can also be high in sugar.

Drinking too much of these beverages can lead to an increase in triglyceride production, which can harm your heart health.

Conclusion

Beverages can have a significant impact on your triglyceride levels. To keep your triglycerides in check, it’s important to limit your intake of sweetened beverages, alcoholic beverages, and high-calorie drinks like milkshakes.

Instead, choose low-sugar drinks like water, herbal tea, and unsweetened coffee or tea. By making small changes to your beverage choices, you can help protect your heart health.