Triglycerides are a type of fat that can increase the risk of heart disease if they are at high levels in the bloodstream. High levels of triglycerides have also been linked to obesity and metabolic syndrome.
While some level of triglycerides in the body is necessary, unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle can lead to elevated levels. Certain foods are notorious for increasing triglyceride levels, and it is advisable to avoid them if you want to keep your triglycerides low. Here are 30 such foods that you should steer clear of:.
1. Processed Meats
Hot dogs, bacon, salami, and sausages are often high in saturated fats and salt. These foods can increase your triglycerides and lead to heart disease.
2. Fast Food
Fast food is often high in calories, unhealthy fats, and simple carbohydrates. Eating fast food frequently can increase your body weight and triglyceride levels.
3. Soda and Other Sweetened Drinks
Beverages that are high in sugar, such as soda, sports drinks, and sweetened teas, can increase your triglycerides. These drinks also contribute to weight gain, which raises the risk of heart disease.
4. Candy and Sweets
Foods that are high in sugar and simple carbohydrates, such as candy, cakes, and pastries, can raise your triglycerides. These foods offer little nutritional value and can lead to obesity and other health problems.
5. Fried Foods
Fried foods, such as French fries, chicken wings, and onion rings, are high in unhealthy fats and calories. Eating these foods on a regular basis can raise your triglycerides and put you at risk for heart disease.
6. Snack Foods
Snack foods that are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, such as potato chips, pretzels, and crackers, can increase your triglycerides. These foods offer little nutritional value and can be harmful to your health.
7. Cookies and Baked Goods
Cookies, cakes, and other baked goods that are high in sugar and unhealthy fats can raise your triglycerides. These foods are often high in calories and can lead to weight gain.
8. Ice Cream
Ice cream is often high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Eating too much ice cream can lead to weight gain and increase your triglyceride levels.
9. White Bread
White bread is often made from refined flour and has a high glycemic index. This means that it can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, which can lead to elevated triglycerides over time. Opt for whole grain bread instead.
10. Pasta
Pasta is often made from refined flour, which can raise blood sugar levels and triglycerides. Opt for whole grain pasta instead, which is higher in fiber and nutrients.
11. Alcohol
Drinking alcohol can raise your triglycerides, especially if you consume it in large amounts. Alcohol is also high in calories and can contribute to weight gain.
12. Fruit Juice
While fruit is healthy, fruit juice often contains added sugars and can be high in calories. Drinking too much fruit juice can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain.
13. Canned Foods
Canned foods often contain high levels of salt, which can raise your blood pressure and triglycerides. Try to choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables instead.
14. Margarine and Shortening
Margarine and shortening are high in trans fats, which can raise your triglycerides and lead to heart disease.
15. Processed Cheese
Processed cheese is often high in unhealthy fats and salt. Eating too much processed cheese can increase your triglycerides and raise your risk of heart disease.
16. Energy Bars
While some energy bars are healthy, many are high in sugar and unhealthy fats. Eating too many energy bars can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain.
17. Pizza
Pizza is often high in unhealthy fats, salt, and calories. Eating too much pizza can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
18. Processed Grains
Processed grains, such as white rice and white flour, are often stripped of nutrients and high in simple carbohydrates. Eating these foods can cause a spike in blood sugar levels and raise your triglycerides.
19. Bacon Bits
Bacon bits are often high in unhealthy fats and salt. Eating too much bacon bits can raise your triglycerides and lead to heart disease.
20. Instant Noodles
Instant noodles are often high in sodium and unhealthy fats. Eating too many instant noodles can elevate your triglycerides and contribute to other health problems.
21. Frozen Dinners
Frozen dinners often contain high levels of salt, unhealthy fats, and calories. Eating too many frozen dinners can raise your triglycerides and lead to weight gain and other health problems.
22. Popcorn with Butter
Popcorn is a healthy snack when it is air-popped and consumed in moderation. However, popcorn topped with butter or other unhealthy fats can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain.
23. Sausages
Sausages are often high in unhealthy fats and sodium. Consuming too many sausages can raise your triglycerides and lead to heart disease.
24. Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is high in unhealthy fats and calories. Eating too much cream cheese can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
25. Artificial Sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain and other health problems. Opt for natural sweeteners, such as honey or maple syrup, instead.
26. Jams and Jellies
Jams and jellies are often high in sugar and calories. Consuming too many jams and jellies can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain.
27. Processed Snack Bars
Processed snack bars often contain high levels of sugar and unhealthy fats. Consuming too many processed snack bars can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
28. Sour Cream
Sour cream is high in unhealthy fats and calories. Eating too much sour cream can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
29. Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise is often high in unhealthy fats and calories. Eating too much mayonnaise can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain and other health problems.
30. Canned Soup
Canned soup often contains high levels of salt and unhealthy fats. Eating too much canned soup can raise your triglycerides and contribute to weight gain and other health problems.