Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood and are the most common type of fat in the body. They come from the foods you eat, especially butter, oils, and other fats, as well as from extra calories that your body doesn't need immediately. Your body converts these extra calories into triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. When your body requires energy, it releases triglycerides into the bloodstream to be used by tissues. Triglycerides serve as an energy source, but having high levels in the blood can increase the risk of heart disease, such as coronary artery disease. Levels of triglycerides are measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) through a blood test. Normal levels are below 150 mg/dL, while levels above this can raise health concerns. High triglyceride levels can be caused by factors like eating more calories than you burn (especially sugary foods), being overweight, smoking, excessive alcohol use, certain medications, and some medical conditions including type 2 diabetes and thyroid disease. To manage high triglycerides, lifestyle changes such as controlling weight, regular exercise, not smoking, limiting sugar and alcohol intake, and choosing healthier fats are usually recommended. In some cases, medication may also be needed. In summary, triglycerides are essential fats used for energy, but maintaining them within a healthy range is important for cardiovascular health. This explanation is based on information from trusted health sources such as MedlinePlus, Mayo Clinic, and Cleveland Clinic.