Triglycerides are lipids that are made up of a glycerin molecule.
Triglycerides are a class of lipids that are formed by a glycerin molecule . Also known as triacylglycerols or triacylglycerides , triglycerides are part of fats .
The synthesis of triglycerides takes place in the endoplasmic reticulum of most cells in the body. The process is more active, however, in the liver (especially hepatocytes) and adipose tissue. This synthesis is usually related to the action of secreting very low density lipoproteins.
Hoarding of triglycerides in the liver is pathological and is known as fatty liver or hepatic steatosis. Adipose tissue, on the other hand, accumulates energy through triglycerides. When such hoarding becomes pathological, metabolic irregularities occur and obesity develops.
Triglyceride level
Age is a value that, without a doubt, significantly influences the level of triglycerides that a person has. However, it is established that the normal level of this type of fat should be 150 mg/dL, although it has also been clearly determined that any individual who suffers from heart problems should have a level of 100 mg/dL .
The increase in the level of triglycerides found in the blood , on the other hand, is known as hypertriglyceridemia . This disorder increases the chances of suffering from a cardiovascular problem. The condition, however, is not necessarily linked to cholesterol levels, as it can develop due to unhealthy eating behaviors or for genetic reasons.
More precisely, among the most frequent causes that can cause someone to have too high levels of this class of lipids are the following: excessive calorie consumption, overweight, family inheritance, the consumption of certain medications such as contraceptives or diuretics, and diseases such as diabetes or hypothyroidism.
The liver plays an important role in the synthesis of triglycerides.
Treatment and change of habits
Whoever finds themselves, therefore, with the fact that they have a level of triglycerides that exceeds the normal values mentioned, it is important that they carry out medical treatment , which will be established by the relevant health professional, and also that they develop a series of changes. in your life.
Specifically, among the latter would be undertaking weight loss, controlling your diet to palpably reduce the intake of sugars and carbohydrates, also reducing the intake of products with saturated or total fat, and eliminating or at least reduce alcohol consumption.
In this way, by carrying out all these steps, triglyceride levels will be reduced, otherwise you may suffer from various serious diseases: atherosclerosis, ischemia, myocardial infarction...
Functions of triglycerides
Triglycerides fulfill various functions in the body. They are the most important energy reserve in an animal (accumulating in the form of fat) or in a plant (as oil), they generate metabolic heat and act as a thermal insulator (which is particularly important in animals such as polar bears).
In the case of humans , triglycerides are transported through lipoproteins (which carry them from the intestine to the liver, and then distribute them to other cells in the body), serum albumin and ketone bodies.