Prevention is better than cure; so safeguard your body from chronic diseases instead of waiting till you get sick. There are a couple of ways to stay healthy; one is to include super foods in the diet chart and the other is to remain stress free. Buy health insurance plan online to stay covered in times of need, and consume the super foods mentioned below for proper chronic disease management.

Source: Everyday Health

Super foods to include in your daily diet to avoid chronic diseases

Berries

This fruit is a rich source of antioxidants. This is a dietician’s dream just not for the nutrition but also because there are loads of varieties available, making the fruit platter colorful! Raspberries, cranberries, strawberries and blackberries are a few examples. The pigment which gives this color is known as anthocyanin. It helps to reduce the free radicals which are also termed as cell damaging molecules. Berries are also known to protect the body from cancer and cardiac diseases.

Tip

Have yoghurt, cereal, muffin, salads and smoothies with the topping of berries.

Dairy Products

Low fat milk, yoghurt and butter are some of the must have dairy products to prevent chronic diseases. These super foods are rich in calcium, protein, vitamin D, carbohydrates and minerals. Dairy products can prevent osteoporosis, keep bones strong and can even boost weight loss. Good news is that patients with high blood sugar levels can also have low fat dairy products.

Tip

Create a lip smacking smoothie with low fat milk/yoghurt and orange juice.

Fish

Besides the awesome taste, fatty fish like tuna and salmon are great to reduce blood clotting and fat levels in the body. This super food protects the heart and is a perfect alternative to other non-vegetarian products which contain more amount of saturated fat.

Tip

Grill tune or salmon for a quick and tasty meal.

Leafy vegetables

­Green is a color of health; spinach, lettuce, kale and bok choy are some to prove it. These leaves are store house of magnesium, vitamin, folate, iron, carotenoids and antioxidants. These protein rich leafy super foods can balance the blood sugar and keep type 2 Diabetes under control.

Tip

Prepare a salad with spinach and vegetables.

Apple

“An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” yes this old age saying is true even today. Apples are rich in a soluble fibre, pectin. This super food is known to balance blood pressure levels. This fruit is also considered effective against breast and colon cancer.

Tip

Enjoy a different flavor of apple by tossing it with green vegetables, pecans and vinaigrette.

The Bottom Line

Intake of super foods forms an integral part of the chronic care management program (CCM). It also includes coverage of critical diseases like cancer and cardiac issues. If a patient is admitted to the hospital for at least 20 minutes, he or she is eligible for reimbursement under this program. This is a new model of health service which saves money and also takes care of the health. CCM covers both in- patients and out- patients. So,besides having good food, choose a good health insurance policy which has tie- ups with the best hospitals and clinics and stay protected.