Triglycerides

Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body. They're also present in blood plasma and, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma lipids.

When we eat, our body uses the calories it needs for quick energy. Any extra calories are turned into triglycerides and stored in fat cells to be used later. The excess calories are stored as fat regardless of what kind of food we eat - fat, carbohydrate, or protein. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from fat tissue so they meet the body's needs for energy between meals.