Glycerol molecular structureA triglyceride molecule consists of a glycerol molecule with three fatty acids attached. After a meal, your body converts calories it does not need to triglycerides. Your body uses them for energy. Eating more calories than you can use, especially in the form of refined carbohydrates, can cause your triglycerides to become elevated. High triglycerides can increase the risk for heart disease and may be a sign of the metabolic syndrome or type 2 diabetes.

The connection between high triglycerides and eating sugar and refined carbohydrate consumption is pretty well established. One study that appeared in the Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine (2000;225:178-183) demonstrated that increased sugar consumption was linked to higher triglycerides.

Avoiding refined carbohydrate, avoiding alcohol and doing some light exercise are all good strategies to lower triglycerides. Taking omega-3 fatty acids is a very well-researched way to lower triglycerides. A study that appeared in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (1993;58:68- 74), showed that taking omega-3 fatty acids lowered postprandial triglyceride levels. Fish oil was also recommended in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (1991;145(7):821) for the treatment of high triglycerides.

There is some research that demonstrates the value of taking garlic to lower triglycerides. A meta-analysis of controlled studies appeared in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture (Volume 92, Issue 9, July 2012, Pages: 1892–1902,) included 26 studies that demonstrated the value of garlic in reducing both cholesterol and high triglycerides.