Black Gram and Triglycerides
Did you know that our favorite lentil Black Gram can help to lower triglycerides?
That’s great, you may say; but… what are triglycerides? Let’s dive into the realm of the bloodstream and find out how the balances of calories, fat, and your blood cells all work together to keep you moving each day.
Triglycerides
This is a fancy word for fat that is stored in your blood. Just like in other areas of your body, when you consume more calories than you use, it will turn into fat. Triglycerides in the blood are not necessarily bad, but they can lead to a elevated risk of heart disease if the levels get too high; a condition known as hypertriglyceridemia (and you thought triglycerides was a long word!).
The normal count of triglycerides for an adult is 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL); anything above this is considered high, 500 mg/dL being very high. It is encouraged to have your levels tested at least every 5 years if there is a concern.
What Causes High Triglyceride Levels?
There are several culprits that can cause high levels of triglycerides in the blood:
- Obesity
- Medications
- Diabetes
- High-Fat/Empty-Carb Diet
- Hypothyroidism
Most medical experts recommend keeping triglycerides at a proper level by maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and by eating a balanced diet. This type of intentional lifestyle can even bring us to a place where certain medications are no longer necessary.
How Can Black Gram Help?
Black Gram can help you lower your triglycerides in quite a few ways by working with you to alleviate the root causes! The high-fiber, low-fat, and vitamin and mineral rich content is a great aid in the process of:
In fact, there are rather few health-related things that Black Gram can’t help with! Beyond the obvious benefits found in the nutrition of this legume, there are lesser-known agents such as phenolic acids that reside within the fragile skin of this medicinal Indian lentil. Phenolic acids can help block the absorption of LDL cholesterol while it’s still in the intestines, resulting in a lower triglyceride count.
Yes, we brag about the fiber content of Black Gram in almost every article; but that’s only because it is so good for our digestion! After all, so much of our heath depends on a properly functioning digestive system, and Black Gram is one of the highest-fiber foods out there. Fiber can regulate the amount of sugars absorbed during digestion, and curb the excess calories that would potentially be stored as triglycerides.
Putting It On the Table
There are many great ways to incorporate Black Gram into your mealtime. Check out some of our recipes, or try some of your own. Toss some cooked Black Gram into a Mediterranean salad, or try a simmering savory lentil stew!
Disclaimer: Blackgram.com does not offer personal health or medical advice. Neither black gram nor any of the statements herein have been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information provided on blackgram.com is general in nature and informational only. Nothing on this site is intended as advice and should not be considered a substitute in any way for professional medical advice to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. You should consult your healthcare provider before starting any nutrition, diet, exercise, fitness, medical, or wellness program.