Yes, you need to keep an eye on triglycerides, which are the most common type of fat found in the body. When you eat, any calories not used immediately for energy are converted into triglycerides and stored in fat cells. Triglycerides also circulate in your bloodstream.
A normal triglyceride level is below 150; 150 to 199 is borderline high; and levels above 200 are considered high. High triglycerides combined with low HDL ("good") cholesterol constitute a risk factor for heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
The South Beach Diet lifestyle (which includes physical activity) can lower triglycerides because it helps you lose weight by reducing foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates, all of which raise triglyceride levels. By limiting alcohol – another contributor to high levels -- to two drinks a day (beginning in Phase 2), you'll also help keep triglycerides in check. If you're following the South Beach Diet, you'll include plenty of omega-3-rich foods and fish oil, which help lower triglycerides as well. Finally, exercise is another proven way to combat high triglycerides.
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