Metabolic health describes how well your body manages energy, blood sugar and fats.

Your liver, muscles, hormones and digestive system all play a part.

The good news is that metabolic health can improve. Small changes made consistently can make a meaningful difference to your blood sugar, triglycerides, liver health, energy and waist measurement.

Understanding Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a natural substance that your body needs. It helps make hormones, vitamin D and cell membranes.

However, we also need to consider how cholesterol is carried around the body.

LDL cholesterol carries cholesterol from the liver to other parts of the body. Higher levels can contribute to fatty deposits developing within blood vessels.

HDL cholesterol helps transport cholesterol back towards the liver. It is often described as the protective cholesterol.

Non-HDL cholesterol includes several cholesterol-containing particles associated with cardiovascular risk.

Rather than concentrating on just one cholesterol number, it is useful to look at the whole picture alongside blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, family history, smoking, exercise and other health factors.

What Are Triglycerides?

Triglycerides are another type of fat carried in your bloodstream.

After eating, the body can convert excess energy into triglycerides for storage.

Triglycerides can increase when there is:

• Regular alcohol intake
• A high intake of sugary foods or drinks
• Frequent refined carbohydrates
• Poor blood-sugar regulation
• Excess abdominal weight
• Fatty liver
• Low levels of physical activity
• Some medical conditions or medications

The aim is not to remove all fat or carbohydrates from your diet.

Instead, concentrate on improving the overall quality of your food and reducing the foods and drinks that are most likely to push triglycerides higher.