Triglycerides are a fundamental part of our body, especially in older people.
This article will help you understand what triglycerides are, why it is important to control them in older people, their normal values and the difference between cholesterol and triglycerides.
In addition, we will provide you with a list of foods that are not recommended if you have high triglycerides.
What are triglycerides?
Triglycerides are a type of fat present in the blood and in most of the foods we consume. Our body uses them as a source of energy and, to a certain extent, they are necessary for the proper functioning of our cells. However, maintaining adequate levels of triglycerides is crucial for our health, especially in older people.
Why is it important to have triglycerides controlled in older people?
Controlling triglyceride levels in older people is essential for several reasons.
As we age, the body has more difficulty properly regulating fat levels in the blood, which can lead to cardiovascular complications.
In addition, excess triglycerides can increase the risk of diseases such as type 2 diabetes, obesity and metabolic syndrome, which are more prevalent in older people.
On the other hand, low levels of triglycerides can also be harmful to health, as they can indicate a problem in fat assimilation or even malnutrition. Therefore, it is especially important to control triglycerides in older people, both to avoid complications and to maintain a good quality of life.
What values are normal when talking about triglycerides?
When we talk about triglycerides and their normal values, these vary depending on the age and sex of the person. However, it is considered that:
- A healthy triglyceride level ranges between 50 and 150 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter).
- A triglyceride level between 150 and 200 mg/dL is considered high limit.
- And above 200 mg/dL is considered high and a health risk.
High triglycerides in older people
In older people, high triglycerides can be caused by a number of factors, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol intake, or even certain medications. There may also be a genetic component that predisposes some individuals to high triglycerides.
Low triglycerides in older people
Although low triglycerides are not as common as high triglycerides, they can also be a cause for concern in older people. Low levels of triglycerides can be indicative of fat malabsorption, liver disease, or even malnutrition.
Therefore, it is important to control triglyceride levels in older people, both to avoid complications and to maintain a good quality of life.
Foods prohibited due to high triglycerides
If you have high triglycerides, it is important that you avoid or limit the intake of certain foods that can worsen the situation. Below is a list of some of these foods that you should avoid:
- Saturated fats: Present in products of animal origin, such as red meat, sausages, full-fat dairy products and butter.
- Trans fats: They are found in processed foods, such as industrial pastries, cookies, margarine and fast food.
- Refined sugars: They are found in products such as soft drinks, sweets and desserts.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase triglyceride levels in the blood.
In addition to avoiding these foods, it is advisable to eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fish and olive oil.
Physical activity is also key to maintaining adequate triglyceride levels, so don’t forget to include regular exercise in your routine.
Difference between cholesterol and triglycerides?
Although both cholesterol and triglycerides are fats present in the blood, they have different functions and structures.
Cholesterol is a waxy substance that the body needs to form cell membranes, produce hormones and synthesize vitamin D, among other functions. There are two types of cholesterol: LDL (bad) cholesterol and HDL (good) cholesterol. LDL cholesterol can build up in the arteries and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, while HDL cholesterol helps remove excess cholesterol from the blood.
On the other hand, triglycerides are a source of energy for the body and are stored in fat cells when they are not used. Unlike cholesterol, triglycerides do not have a structural function in cells, but their main function is to provide energy.
And that’s it for the article! In summary, as you have seen, maintaining adequate control of triglyceride levels is especially important in older people, as it can help prevent health complications and improve quality of life.
Therefore, adopting healthy habits, such as a balanced diet and regular physical activity, is essential to maintain adequate triglyceride levels and enjoy healthy aging.
