What Are Triglycerides Used For?

The liver builds triglycerides by using a glucose (sugar) base with three fatty acids attached to it. Triglycerides can be built without food consumption, but ingesting food contributes to the creation. After triglycerides are built, they can be stored in the liver or sent to the muscles to be stored intramuscularly.

Function

• The liver creates triglycerides as stored energy. When energy levels become low, the hormone glucagon orders the fatty acids to be broken off of the sugar base. The sugar and fatty acids can both then enter energy production cycles.

Effects

• The calorie is a measurement of heat energy. Carbohydrates and proteins contain only 4 calories per gram. Fats contain 9 calories per gram, thus providing the body with more than twice the amount of energy as sugars and proteins.

Misconceptions

• While your body prefers to use fat as the main energy source, it should represent less than 30 percent of your diet. High-fat diets leave you at risk of obesity.

Warning

• An excess of triglycerides causes fat buildup in the liver and around the muscles, causing an increase in body fat percentage. The excess fat can also be deposited in arteries, placing you at greater risk of heart disease and stroke.

Expert Insight

• Triglycerides, in modest amounts, can be beneficial to your energy levels. Too many can clog arteries in your heart and brain. Keep triglycerides at normal levels by eating a well-balanced diet of natural foods and exercising daily.