Guest guest Posted October 6, 2003 Report Share Posted October 6, 2003 Understanding Triglycerides Whenever cholesterol is discussed, knowledgeable people also talk about triglycerides. *Triglycerides* are *chemicals* produced in the process of converting excess *processed sugars* and *carbohydrates* into stored body fat and are linked to heart disease. Blood triglyceride levels increase when you eat processed refined carbohydrates, products made with *white* sugar and high fructose corn syrup. It is found mainly in cookies, cake, candy, in fact, anything made with refined processed white sugar and flour. Even fruit juice sweetened with processed refined sugars and/or high fructose corn syrup may pose a problem. Serum triglyceride levels from 70 to 150 mg/dl blood are considered optimal by many health oriented physicians. Excess sugar is converted in the body to non-essential fatty acids (glycogen stores) and cholesterol. Individuals who consumed 30 percent of their total calories from sugar –which is a little more than the average- in the American diet – developed significantly higher levels of cholesterol and *triglycerides* in their blood than the control subjects in the experiment. Sweet and Dangerous Many authorities, including the biochemist and researcher John Yudkin, M.D., Ph. D, author of five books including " Sweet and Dangerous " , states that *triglyceride* levels are an important factor in predicting the likelihood of an individual developing a heart attack. Both triglycerides and LDL cholesterol contribute to heart disease potential. " Dr. Yudkin blames processed sugar consumption for increased heart disease in the industrialized nations, and has a great deal of research to back up his claim. He contends that sugar is not only a cause, but the main cause. An article in " The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition " reported that the most consistent data dealing with diet and high *triglyceride* levels concerns refined *processed* sugar. When processed sugar is *withheld*, triglyceride levels fall. Diets high in complex carbohydrates such as organic whole grain cereals, sprouted grain breads, vegetables, nuts and seeds do not have the same effect. " http://www.food-for-life.com Obesity can lead to mild elevated triglycerides. However, other situations that can lead to high triglyceride levels include caffeine and alcohol abuse and the use of certain drugs, some diuretics, oral contraceptives, products containing female hormones, Acutane (an acne drug),and some drugs used in treating heart conditions. " Vitamins have primarily a regulatory effect. They lower blood factors only when necessary. Vitamins and other trace minerals help to decrease total cholesterol, harmful LDL cholesterol, and *triglycerides*, and they tend to increase good HDL cholesterol. Deposits of Plaque and Vitamins These researchers believe that the deposit of plaque on the arterial walls is something of a desperate *defense* reaction on the part of the body. The arterial wall, having become fragile because of vitamin deficiency needs to be repaired from the inside. In depositing plaque and other clotting factors, the body is attempting to strengthen or build up the walls that have weakened. Hardened fats and refined sugars increase the amount of *oxidation* in the body, resulting in greater amounts of *free-radicals* roving around in your body. To fight these free radicals, consume many antioxidants such as vitamin E, C, A, beta-carotene, selenium, grape seed extract and/or pine bark extract (Pycnogenol). We need better overall nutrition, and must eliminate white sugar, overly processed foods, high fat non-organic dairy products, chemical preservatives, white fat on meats and hydrogenated hardened fats in margarines, snacks and desserts. Note: Benecol and Take Control margarines contain maximum amounts of transfats, resulting in high triglyceride levels as well. Jean Carper, in " Food Your Miracle Medicine " JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/FreeRadicals.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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