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Low Carb Low-Fat Diets for High Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food and in the body. High triglyceride levels are considered a risk factor for cardiovascular and heart disease, as well as stroke. According to the Mayo Clinic, numerous studies have found low-carbohydrate, low-fat diets to be beneficial in lowering triglyceride levels.

  1. Fat Reduction

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, less than 7 percent of total dietary calories should consist of saturated fat, and less than 1 percent should consist of trans fat. The best fats are monounsaturated fats, such as olive or canola oil, and polyunsaturated fats, like those found in nuts and seeds.

    Reducing Carbohydrates

    • Both HDL and LDL blood cholesterol and triglycerides can be affected by reducing carbohydrates in the diet. Less than 300 milligrams of cholesterol should be consumed by adults on a daily basis. Because there are different reasons for high cholesterol, there can also be strong genetic components in connection with unhealthy levels of fat in blood lipids and the subsequent risk for disease.

    Mediterranean Diet

    • According to the Mayo Clinic, the Mediterranean diet is an eating plan that combines all of the essential elements of a heart-healthy diet. The benefits of the Mediterranean diet, based on a 2007 U.S. study, indicated that those consuming the diet were able to lower their risk of heart disease. The key components of the Mediterranean diet include generous portions of vegetables and fruits, healthy fats like olive oil and canola oil, herbs and spices in place of salt, small portions of nuts, very little red meat, fish twice a week and small portions of pasta and rice. The Mediterranean diet has also been known to help lower levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol as well as triglycerides.

    No-Fad Diet

    • According to the American Heart Association, its No-Fad Diet can provide a lifetime, conscious and effective weight control plan. The diet allows for people to design an eating plan approach using three key concepts referenced as the diet's Circles of Success. Food choices are tailored individually and can therefore be more effective in managing high triglyceride levels through better choices for low-fat and low-carbohydrate menu plans.

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