Triglycerides serve a crucial function in the body: they store unused calories and provide energy. They are the most common type of fat, making up about 95% of dietary fats found in both animal and plant sources.
Triglycerides: Energy Storage and More
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Energy Reserve: As stated by the Mayo Clinic and numerous other sources, triglycerides' primary role is to store excess calories. When the body needs energy, these stored triglycerides are broken down and used as fuel. This is essential for maintaining bodily functions. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-cholesterol/in-depth/triglycerides/art-20048186
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Fat Transport: Triglycerides are also the main form of fat storage and transport within cells and the bloodstream. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6376873/ The liver plays a central role in this process.
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Digestion and Hormone Production: Although less prominent, triglycerides play a role in digestion and hormone production. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/11117-triglycerides
Clinical Significance of Triglycerides
High triglyceride levels (hypertriglyceridemia) are a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), even if LDL cholesterol levels are within the healthy range. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21968696/ Therefore, maintaining healthy triglyceride levels is crucial for overall health.
In summary, triglycerides are vital for energy storage, transport, and contribute to other metabolic processes, highlighting their essential role in human physiology.
