Cheese Diet to Lower Triglycerides

Bloodstream triglycerides increase when you consume too many calories or carbohydrates on a daily basis. High levels of triglycerides can convert bad cholesterol (LDL) into a more dangerous form that is capable of damaging arteries. High triglycerides can also prevent the creation of good cholesterol (HDL). Weight loss and a reduced fat and carbohydrate intake can lower triglyceride levels, reducing the risk of heart disease. The right types of cheeses can play a supporting role in a low triglyceride diet.

The Good & The Bad

Reduce your carbohydrate intake if carbohydrates supply more than 40 to 45 percent of your daily calories. Start by eliminating or cutting back drastically on alcohol and food and drink high in simple sugars, such as:

• honey
  
• cake
  
• sweetened breakfast cereals,
  
• sodas

Good sources of carbohydrates include potatoes and rice, and whole grain breads and pastas in moderation.

Include Cheese in Your Diet

Mayo Clinic Triglyceride Diet

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To summarize, the best cheeses to include in a low triglyceride diet are those made from reduced fat or skim milk, including fresh unripened cheeses such as:

• cheddar cheese
  
• parmesan cheese

The Daily Diet

Of your daily caloric intake, about 25 to 30 percent should come from fat, with less than 10 percent from saturated fats. Lowering your fat intake below this amount will increase your carbohydrate intake, resulting in increased triglycerides. In addition, you should not consume more than 300mg of cholesterol each day.

About 40 to 45 percent of your daily calories should come from carbohydrates. The remaining 30 to 35 percent come from protein.

Watch your overall caloric intake. Excess calories may be converted into triglycerides whether they come from fat, carbohydrates, or protein.

For longer-lasting energy, eat balanced meals that contain protein, carbohydrates and fat, such as oatmeal and cottage cheese for breakfast. Such combinations take longer to digest than all-carbohydrate meals. Not only are these balanced meals more filling, they will also keep blood sugar levels stable, preventing sugar high crashes.