We often hear that to be heart healthy, we not only have to watch our cholesterol levels in our blood, but also, we need to pay attention to our triglycerides.
Triglycerides are a type of fat in the bloodstream that the body uses for energy.
When we eat, calories that are not used immediately by the body are converted into fatty acids and stored in fat cells. When the body needs energy between meals, they are released again into the blood. A blood test taken at your doctor's office is the best way to determine your triglyceride levels. For the most accurate results, the test should be conducted after fasting from food and alcohol the night before. It may also be associated with metabolic problems such as low thyroid function, a familial or primary lipid problem, or other medical problems.