High fat foods, sugary drinks, and alcohol can raise your triglyceride levels, but many other factors can play a role.
Triglycerides are a type of fat that circulates in the bloodstream. They’re the
Triglycerides come from foods like butter, oils, meat, dairy products, and other fats. The body uses some triglycerides for energy right away, while it stores others for later use. The body also makes its own supply of triglycerides in the liver.
Although triglycerides are essential for good health, high levels can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
A healthy blood triglyceride level is under 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). High triglyceride levels fall into these categories:
- borderline high: 150–199 mg/dL
- high: 200–499 mg/dL
- very high: above 500 mg/dL
Certain lifestyle factors can contribute to high triglyceride levels, such as eating a diet high in fat and sugar. Read on to learn about which foods and drinks cause high triglycerides.
Eating a diet high in fat, sugar, or high glycemic index (GI) foods can raise triglyceride levels, according to a 2021 paper.
Saturated fats
Saturated fats are a type of unhealthy fat. They
- beef
- lamb
- pork
- poultry
- butter
- cheese
- lard and cream
- ice cream
Trans fats
Trans fats are another type of unhealthy fat. They increase LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and they
Naturally occurring trans fats may contain small amounts of unhealthy fat. Artificial trans fats in processed foods have higher amounts of unhealthy fat.
Foods containing trans fats include:
- fried foods, like doughnuts and french fries
- baked goods
- frozen pizza
- stick margarine
Sugary foods and drinks
Some of the sugar you consume becomes triglycerides in your body.
Foods like whole fruit contain natural sugar as well as fiber, which can be part of a healthy diet. But foods with high amounts of added sugar contribute to elevated triglycerides. Examples of these include:
- candy
- cakes
- cookies
- pies
- pastries
- doughnuts
- ice cream
Sugary drinks include:
- soda
- lemonade
- sweetened coffee
- sports drinks
- flavored waters
- fruit juice
High calorie foods
High calorie foods can raise triglycerides and contribute to weight gain. Examples include:
- processed foods, like bacon and salami
- fast food
- fried foods
- packaged foods, like chips and chocolates
Refined carbohydrates
Refined carbs are processed carbs that are stripped of many beneficial nutrients and fiber. They’re known as “empty” calories because they consist mostly of sugars and processed grains.
Foods high in refined carbs
- white bread
- white pasta
- white rice
- candy
- honey
- syrups
- refined breakfast cereal
Starchy foods
Starches, also known as “complex” carbs, contain vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Starchy foods can support our health and provide important nutrients.
However, consuming large amounts of starchy foods can increase triglycerides. Examples of starchy foods include:
- breads
- potatoes
- pasta
- noodles
- cereal
- crackers
- rice
- corn
Alcohol
Drinking 1 ounce of alcohol per day can increase triglyceride levels by 5–10%, according to the same 2021 paper.
Excess alcohol consumption is associated with a significant increase in triglycerides, especially in people who already have elevated levels.
Aside from diet,
These
- conditions like kidney disease, diabetes, obesity, and liver disease
- medications like diuretics, beta-blockers, retinoids, and immune-modulating therapies
- genetic conditions, such as familial hypertriglyceridemia
- lack of exercise
- smoking cigarettes
Triglycerides and cholesterol are both important to our health, but they aren’t the same.
Cholesterol is a
There are
- LDL cholesterol, sometimes known as “bad” cholesterol because high levels can cause fatty buildups in the arteries, called plaque
- HDL cholesterol, sometimes known as “good” cholesterol because high levels can lower the risk of heart disease and stroke
A high triglyceride level combined with high LDL or low HDL cholesterol
It’s possible to have elevated triglycerides without high cholesterol. For example, eating a diet high in carbs, saturated fats, and calories can raise triglyceride levels, even if those foods aren’t high in cholesterol.
- whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta
- brown and wild rice
- vegetables like leafy greens
- lean meats, like skinless chicken or turkey
- salmon and trout
- oats
- unsalted nuts
- seeds
- nut butter
- avocado
- legumes like kidney beans and lentils
- fat-free or low fat dairy products, like milk and cheese
- fresh fruits
High triglycerides typically don’t cause any symptoms. However, without treatment and management, persistently high levels
In some cases, very high or extremely high triglycerides can cause symptoms. These
- changes in the appearance of the eye’s blood vessels
- bumps on the skin around the eyelids or on the knees, heels, shoulders, or elbows
- memory loss
- depression
- fatigue
- stomach or back pain
- nausea
- bowel dysfunction
- reddening or flushing of the skin with alcohol use
If you notice these symptoms or are concerned about your triglyceride and cholesterol levels, speak with a doctor. They can use blood tests to check your levels and alert you to any potential problems.
Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about high triglycerides.
What foods should you avoid if you have high triglycerides?
People with high triglycerides should limit or avoid unhealthy fats, high GI foods, starchy foods, sugary foods and drinks, and alcohol.
Do eggs raise triglycerides?
What’s the main cause of high triglycerides?
High triglycerides can result from a combination of factors, including health conditions, medications, diet, and lifestyle factors.
Triglycerides are an essential source of energy, but high levels can increase the risk of serious health complications, like heart disease and stroke.
Eating a diet high in unhealthy fats, added sugar, and starchy foods can raise triglyceride levels. Following a heart-healthy diet, along with getting regular exercise and limiting or avoiding alcohol, can help lower triglycerides.
