Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is a condition that occurs due to uncontrolled levels of sugar in the blood. Type 1 diabetes, or insulin-dependent diabetes, is a chronic life-long autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from making insulin, which is then managed with insulin injections and blood sugar monitoring. This condition is known to be diagnosed in both children and adults. If diabetes is not treated over time, it can lead to serious complications like chronic diabetes which includes type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes occurs when less insulin is secreted by the pancreas because the immune system attacks the islet cells of the pancreas. Read on to learn more about what is type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes explained

Type 1 diabetes is a form of diabetes mellitus that leads to a condition known as hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar), which occurs when insulin secretion is low. It is important to treat hyperglycaemia, as it can result in serious health problems including diabetic coma. Doctors suggest a fasting blood sugar test to identify how much insulin the pancreas makes, in the case of a type 1 diabetic patient.

Insulin is an important hormone released by β-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans cells that control the amount of glucose in the blood. Some people have certain genes called HLA-DR3 or HLA-DR4, which are linked to autoimmune diseases that are passed on from parent to child, making them more likely to develop type 1 diabetes. A trigger in the environment such as any virus infecting the patient may also play a part in a person developing type 1 diabetes.

Do you have diabetes and are struggling to keep your blood sugar levels in check? Well, we may just have the answers you need. When a person has diabetes, it isn’t just about choosing the right foods, it’s also about limiting or avoiding foods that can spike blood sugar and increase your risk of complications such as nerve damage, heart disease and stroke. In this article, we’ll explore what foods to avoid with diabetes.

Foods and drinks to avoid with diabetes

Food choices matter immensely for a diabetic patient. Here is a list of foods that diabetic patients should avoid:

1. Sugary foods like sweets and soda

Foods that are primarily made up of processed sugar lack nutritional value and can cause a sharp spike in blood sugar. Many desserts like candy and soda are considered low-quality carbohydrates and are among the worst foods to eat when you have type 2 diabetes. They even result in weight gain. Refined carbohydrates raise the sugar in the blood because of which the body produces extra insulin to bring the blood sugar down. Insulin is a fat-storage hormone that converts carbohydrates to fat when the level of insulin increases in the bloodstream. It then stores the fat in other areas of the body like on the buttocks, thighs, abdomen, and hips.

2. Fatty cuts of meat

Eating even small amounts of processed meats such as pork bacon, ham, salami or beef jerky, beans prepared with lard etc. may increase your risk of diabetes. They may contain many harmful chemicals and are linked to diseases such as cancer and heart disease in numerous studies. People with diabetes should also avoid ribs and other fatty cuts of meat, poultry meat with skin on it, deep-fried fish, etc. Such food can be replaced with leaner, more natural protein choices like chicken, tuna or hard-boiled eggs.

3. Full-fat dairy products

Full-fat dairy products primarily contain saturated fat (the ‘bad’ fat) and more calories, which increase the risk of obesity and heart disease. One can replace full-fat dairy products with low-fat or non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.

Diabetes is a disorder in which either the production of insulin in the body is diminished or the body becomes resistant to insulin. This dysfunction results in the build-up of glucose in the blood. Therefore, for individuals suffering from diabetes, determining safe food options is crucial. When it comes to fruits, papaya is often considered beneficial due to its low sugar content and other properties. This greenish-yellow fruit is rich in vitamins A, B, C and E, along with minerals and antioxidants like lycopene. Papaya can be consumed raw or cooked into a variety of dishes. However, its impact on blood sugar needs monitoring, as factors like portion size and overall diet play a role in controlling diabetes.

Is papaya good for diabetic patients?

Diabetes is a prevalent condition that can be managed with a healthy diet and exercise. Fruits contain natural sugar, and therefore, people assume that fruits are not good for diabetics. But eating fruits in moderation is actually part of a healthy diet. So, the question arises ‘is papaya good for diabetes?’. Papaya is one such fruit that, despite its sweet taste, has a nutrient profile that offers potential health benefits. Both green and yellow papayas are beneficial for managing blood sugar levels and boosting overall health in individuals with diabetes. A small fresh papaya contains around 120 calories and offers the following nutritional values:

• 5 grams of dietary fibre
• 18 grams of sugar
• 2 grams of protein

It is also a source of vitamin A, potassium, magnesium and folate.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder affecting insulin production or the body’s response to insulin, resulting in disruption of blood sugar control. Complications of diabetes include heart disease, eye problems, kidney disease, and nerve disorders, leading to morbidity and mortality over time.

Diabetes mellitus can be of two forms: type 1, or juvenile-onset, which often begins in childhood; and type 2, or adult-onset, which commonly appears after 40 and is linked with insulin resistance. Another condition that affects pregnant women is gestational diabetes, a disorder that causes elevated levels of blood sugar during pregnancy. Read on to learn more about what is diabetes mellitus.

Diabetes mellitus explained

Diabetes is a Greek term that means ‘siphon’ or ‘passage.’ But what is mellitus? Mellitus is a Latin word that means ‘sweet.’ This is because it was noticed that the urine of people suffering from diabetes smelled sweet.

• Causes: Insulin, a hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells, regulates glucose uptake for cellular energy. In diabetes, either the production of insulin decreases due to dysfunctional beta cells or cells become insulin-resistant, leading to high blood sugar.
• Symptoms: High blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) causes symptoms when levels are around 180 mg/dL or higher. Excess glucose from the blood is removed by the kidneys, resulting in glucose in the urine. This affects water reabsorption, causing frequent urination (polyuria) and thirst (polydipsia). This loss of glucose in the urine causes fatigue, exhaustion, weight loss, and an increase in hunger. Infections, especially in the urinary and vaginal areas, can also occur.
• Complications: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a critical complication of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, an insulin shortage causes severe hyperglycaemia and increased fat breakdown, releasing fatty acids and ketones. This elevates blood acidity (lowering pH) and creates diabetic ketoacidosis, leading to hyperventilation, impaired brain function, coma, and even death. Urgent treatment with insulin and IV fluids is essential.

Type 2 diabetes, also known as type 2 diabetes mellitus, is a prevalent medical condition that is generally associated with high blood sugar levels. The pancreas either release less insulin making the body resistant to insulin, or it makes enough but the body is unable to utilise it properly. People that need to fight it are often not sure where to start. So let us learn more about what type 2 diabetes is.

Type 2 diabetes explained

Insulin is a peptide hormone released in the pancreas that is responsible for glycogenesis, i.e., the conversion of glucose to glycogen, which is your body’s energy reserve. All the cells in our body need sugar to work normally. This sugar then enters into the cells with the help of a hormone called insulin (released by β-cells of the pancreatic islets of Langerhans) that controls the amount of glucose in the blood. In type 2 diabetes, our body's cells can't properly utilise the sugar (blood glucose) from the foods we eat and the body’s glucose content remains unused. This increases blood sugar levels, which is known as hyperglycaemia.

The chances of hyperglycaemia in type 2 diabetes increase if:

• The person belongs to Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Asian American backgrounds
• The person is older than 45
• The person is overweight/obese
• The woman has gestational diabetes while pregnant
• There’s any family history of diabetes
• The person has pre-diabetes

Diabetes is a condition with many complications. Type II diabetes (T2DM) is the most common one, which occurs due to less production or incomplete functioning of insulin. Sometimes the pancreas in our body is not able to make enough insulin, which can cause abnormal blood glucose levels. Alternatively, the pancreas produces enough insulin but our body is not able to utilise that insulin. This condition is called insulin resistance. Usually diabetes (T2DM) follows pre-diabetes, where the blood glucose level is high but not high enough to cause diabetes. It is always advisable to control pre-diabetes before it converts into diabetes. Want to know more about how to prevent diabetes? Well then, read on.

Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control   

Diabetes is caused either due to genetic reasons or due to an unhealthy lifestyle. To understand how to prevent diabetes, we first need to consider lifestyle factors that might be responsible for pre-diabetic or diabetic stages, which includes the following:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Obesity or being overweight
• Exercising less than three times a week
• Age above 45 years
• Family history of T2DM
• Having gestational diabetes during pregnancy
• Women giving birth to an overweight baby
• Having fatty liver disease or Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

As per the World Health Organisation, 77 million people in India suffer from type 2 diabetes. Moreover, 25 million are pre-diabetic. Type 2 diabetes is, in reality, a lifestyle disorder, characterised by high sugar levels. If you are obese, have high cholesterol, or have a family history of diabetes, you should be more cautious about this disease. Uncontrolled diabetes may lead to loss of vision, kidney failure, heart disease, or other serious problems. But did you know it can be controlled after incorporating a few healthy habits into your daily routine? So, if you’re wondering “how to control sugar levels?” we have the answers. This article will discuss how to control diabetes with some easy-to-follow tips.

Diabetes prevention: 5 tips for taking control

Learn how to control diabetes using these simple tips:

1. Lose excess weight

• Keeping your weight in the ideal range for your body type is extremely important as it reduces the risk of developing diabetes.
• Obese people are more prone to developing type 2 diabetes. Hence, dropping the extra pounds is helpful to control diabetes.
• Learning portion control is a must to know how to control diabetes.

2. Eat healthy plant-based foods

• It’s important to consume fibre-rich food like fruits, vegetables, beans, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, lentils, legumes, nuts, and whole grains in order to keep sugar levels in control. These foods are known to provide us with vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fibre, without causing blood sugar spikes.
• Foods that are rich in fibre not only keep us full for longer periods but also aid in weight loss and decrease the risk of developing diabetes.

3. Eat healthy fats

• In order to prevent diabetes, it is essential to cut down on excess saturated fat content in food. These are bad fats, often found in whole milk, cakes, processed snacks and red meat.
• Foods that are good sources of unsaturated fats include olive, sunflower, cottonseed, and canola oils, nuts (all sorts), and fatty fish like salmon, tuna, etc.

Family floater health insurance is designed to typically cover your entire family within a single insurance arrangement. With family floater health insurance, you have the option to include your spouse, children, parents, and dependent in-laws and siblings under one unified coverage. This policy comes with a predetermined sum insured and covers various medical expenses like hospitalisation, pre and post-hospitalisation costs, day-care procedures, and ambulance fees. Depending on the policy's terms and conditions, it might also extend its coverage to include your maternity expenses, newborn care, and pre-existing medical conditions. By understanding who cannot be covered under a family floater policy, you can make an informed decision about purchasing this insurance.

People that cannot be covered under family floater plan

Typically, almost every family floater policy defines a family uniquely, and there are specific rules governing who can be included and who cannot be covered under a family floater policy. The definition of family typically includes your spouse, children and parents. Some policies may offer coverage for siblings and parents in law, if they are financially dependent on you. However, uncles, aunts, grandparents, cousins and other relatives cannot be covered under a family floater plan. The specifics differ from insurer to insurer.  

It's also important to note that certain policies impose a restriction on the count of adult family members covered, allowing up to a maximum of two adults in some cases. In contrast, others are more lenient, extending coverage to as many as four adults within a single policy.

Following are some exclusions applicable for the floater across age groups:

• Family floater health insurance plans generally don't cover pre-existing medical conditions. This means that if any member within your family already has a health issue diagnosed before you acquired the insurance policy, the costs tied to managing that specific condition might not be included in the protective coverage of the policy. However, these costs are usually covered after a fixed period of time such as 24 or 36 months.
• When considering a family floater plan, remember that expenses related to cosmetic procedures—like plastic surgery or hair transplants—are usually not covered unless these procedures are deemed medically necessary and can be proven as such.
• It's vital to understand that expenses not directly associated with medical treatments, which typically include administrative fees, service charges, or admission expenses, typically aren't included by these insurance policies.
• Moreover, family floater health insurance policies often don't account for expenses resulting from self-inflicted injuries or injuries sustained during risky activities or sports engagements.
• Keep in mind that instances involving health hazards or disorders arising due to nuclear or radioactive incidents in your geographic vicinity aren't part of the coverage provided by family floater health insurance plans.
• Medical costs that emerge due to the consumption of intoxicating substances are usually excluded from the coverage scope of family health insurance plans.

Amid the consistent and ongoing rise in healthcare costs in our nation, along with the continuous surge in illnesses and injuries, you will find that health insurance has transformed into an essential requirement in the modern era. Life's uncertainties and innate health risks make predicting illness impossible, but you can certainly take steps to lessen the financial impact with your health insurance. Based on your current financial status, various insurance plans are available, such as health insurance plans for low income families.

Health insurance plans for low-income families

The following are some of the most popular options under health insurance for low income individuals.

• You'll find one of the most prominent initiatives to be the Ayushman Bharat Yojana. The policy aims to extend coverage up to Rs. 5 lakhs per family annually, requiring a nominal premium of Rs. 30 per annum. Notably, Ayushman Bharat ensures coverage for pre-existing conditions from the very first day of enrollment, offering a safety net against unforeseen health challenges.
• The RSBY scheme (Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana) is a noteworthy insurance primarily targeted at those living below poverty line, especially those within the unorganised sector. This scheme supports workers and their family, granting coverage of up to Rs. 30,000 per family per annum. An interesting feature of RSBY is the provision of cashless hospitalisation, coupled with immediate coverage of pre-existing diseases. Under this arrangement, the government contributes 75% of the annual premium, while you contribute a nominal amount of Rs. 30 for renewal or registration. Additionally, the expenses related to the smart card and administrative processes are managed by respective State Governments, showcasing a collaborative approach to healthcare support.
• The Aam Admi Bima Yojana (AABY) introduces a different facet of health insurance by offering personal accident coverage to rural households like yours without land ownership. Specifically targeting 45 occupational groups, this scheme is oriented towards the head of your family or an earning member, providing a safety net against the financial implications of accidents. The government takes care of the entire premium, providing you with coverage in the event of natural death, accidental death, or permanent disability. In the case of partial permanent disability, a compensation amount of Rs. 37,500 is awarded.
• Another remarkable initiative is the Employment State Insurance Scheme (ESIS), extending its protective umbrella to workers employed in non-seasonal factories with a workforce of at least ten individuals. Beyond the workers, the plan also typically includes dependents, offering coverage for hospitalisation expenses and cash benefits for disablement or sickness. Additionally, if you meet with an accident during your employment and subsequently pass away, ESIS extends benefits to your dependents, ensuring ongoing financial stability through regular pension disbursements.

Super top-up health insurance plans provide crucial financial protection for senior citizens, addressing their healthcare needs and safeguarding their savings from emergency medical spends. As medical expenses continue rising, these plans offer an essential safety net to ensure senior citizens access to quality healthcare without worrying about huge bills. In this guide, we will explore the benefits of super top-up plans for senior citizens and guide you through purchasing one.

Benefits of super top-up health insurance for senior citizens

• Higher sum insured

One of the significant advantages of super top-up plans is that they offer a higher insured sum compared to base health insurance policies. This higher coverage is vital for senior citizens who are more prone to illnesses and require increased financial protection.

• Financial safety net

Senior citizens often find their retirement funds at risk due to unexpected healthcare expenses. Super top-up plans act as a financial safety net, ensuring their hard-earned savings remain intact and untouched by medical bills.

• One-time deductible payment

Unlike basic health insurance plans , super top-up plans cover medical expenses above a pre-decided deductible amount. Once this amount is paid by the policyholder during the policy term, the remaining claim amount will be paid by the insurance company throughout the term.

• Critical illness support

Critical illnesses can be financially draining, especially for senior citizens. Within a super top-up plan, seniors can choose to take additional coverage for critical illnesses, which offers peace of mind during medical emergencies.

• Additional coverage

Super top up plans for senior citizens often include coverage for pre and post-hospitalisation costs, alternative treatments like Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy (AYUSH), ICU charges, and other medical expenses.

Emergencies don't wait for anyone, and neither do medical expenses. While basic health insurance covers a significant portion of healthcare costs, sometimes unforeseen circumstances can lead to expenses beyond its coverage. This is where top-up health insurance acts as a financial safety net. Let's delve into how this insurance option works.

What is top-up health insurance?

Top-up health insurance serves as a crucial extension of your existing individual or employer health insurance coverage. It provides policyholders with additional financial protection to address situations where their primary health insurance coverage proves insufficient to cover hefty medical expenses. This insurance option acts as a safety net, ensuring you are not left financially vulnerable during unexpected medical emergencies.

In simpler terms, imagine your primary health insurance covers up to 6 lakh sum insured. However, in case of a serious illness or accident, your hospital bill came to 10 lakh. In this case, the bill leaves you with 4 lakh out-of-pocket expenses. This is where a top-up health insurance plan comes into play, covering the remaining 4 lakh. In other words, it steps in to cover the expenses surpassing your primary coverage, offering comprehensive protection and reducing your financial burden.

A top-up plan provides peace of mind by bridging the gap between your existing health insurance coverage and potentially high medical costs. It ensures you can access quality healthcare without worrying about the financial implications of extensive treatments or procedures. This added layer of security makes top-up health insurance an essential consideration for anyone seeking higher coverage against unforeseen medical expenses.

We know that navigating the world of taxes and insurance can be overwhelming. Moreover, insurance premiums can also be expensive. Luckily, the Indian Income Tax Act's Section 80D comes to the rescue. This provision allows you to claim deductions for medical insurance premiums paid for your parents, lightening your financial load while ensuring their well-being. Let's explore how this works and how you can secure their health while enjoying tax benefits.

What is Section 80D?                   

Listed below is a breakdown of Section 80D, to help you understand it better:

• Section 80D is a beneficial provision under the Indian Income Tax Act.
• It's aimed at encouraging individuals to secure their health and that of their family members through medical insurance.
• It allows taxpayers to claim deductions on medical insurance premiums paid, including premiums for parents' coverage.
• The deductions are available for individuals and Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs).
• This provision recognizes the rising need for comprehensive health coverage, especially for senior citizens.
• Taxpayers can claim deductions over and above the deductions claimed under Section 80C for life insurance.
• The deduction limits vary based on the insured individual's age and coverage type (self or parents).
• It includes deductions for preventive health check-ups, which can be vital for early detection of health issues.
• Payments eligible for deductions include medical insurance premiums for self, spouse, dependent children and parents, and contributions to specific government health schemes.
• The mode of payment matters; deductions are not allowed for cash payments (except in the case of preventative health check-up payment, which can be made in cash).
• This provision contributes to easing the financial burden of medical expenses while promoting prudent healthcare planning.

Let's talk about something that will help you save taxes while taking care of your health smartly. Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961, was created to promote efficient health planning. This section offers deductions on health insurance premiums and medical expenses. So, you can be covered financially during unexpected health issues, and you can also lessen your tax burden. Let's dive in and see what this section brings to the health and wealth table!

What is Section 80D in health insurance?

If you're wondering about "Section 80D" in the world of health insurance, let us break it down for you. Imagine it as a secret treasure map in income tax, guiding you towards saving money while ensuring your health expenses stay in check.

In simpler terms, Section 80D grants you tax deductions on the premium you pay for your health insurance policies. It means while safeguarding your health and well-being, you're also lightening your income tax load.

But it doesn't stop there! This section doesn't just cover your insurance premiums; it also helps safeguard your loved ones. You can claim deductions not only for your health policy but also for the policies you take for your dependents: spouse, children and parents. It's a win-win situation – securing your family's health and getting tax benefits simultaneously.

So, the next time you consider buying a health insurance policy, remember that Section 80D is your ticket to a healthier and wealthier future.

In health insurance, cumulative bonus stands out for its key advantage: boosting your coverage at no added cost. This bonus not only extends coverage during medical emergencies but also functions as a money-saving tool. Let’s look into the meaning of cumulative bonus in health insurance to understand this feature better.

What is cumulative bonus in health insurance?

Simply put, cumulative bonus in health insurance is like a special gift you receive from your insurer. It's their way of saying "great job" for staying healthy and not needing to make a claim.

• If you go without making claims for a whole year, your premium might even get cheaper. This is offered by a few insurance providers and it is called a "premium discount." So, the longer you go without needing to use your insurance, the more you benefit.
• However, the more common type of bonus is the increase in sum insured if no claims are made during the year. This is termed as “no-claim bonus” and it is a fixed percentage of your sum insured – usually 5% or 10%. So if the first year your sum insured was 5 lakh and you made no claim, the next year your sum insured will automatically increase to 5.5 lakh.
• The Cumulative Bonus isn't restricted to individuals; it works for family floater health insurance plans too. But not all insurance companies may offer this bonus. And even if they do, there are some rules you need to follow to be eligible. So, if you're thinking about choosing a policy with the Cumulative Bonus, it's a good idea to carefully read and understand the policy documents.

Guava is a popular and widely consumed fruit, mainly because of its sweet and sour taste. Due to its unique flavour, even pregnant women find themselves craving this delicious fruit. Beyond its taste, guava is packed with a diverse mix of nutrients, which makes it a great choice for pregnant women. Consuming guava during pregnancy has numerous advantages. However, traditional beliefs about guava being heaty prompt the query: Is guava good for pregnant women? We'll explore guava's nutrient content, address its effects, and assess its suitability in pregnancy, based on current knowledge.

Can you eat guava during pregnancy?

Guava is a vitamin-rich fruit packed with vitamins A, B2, C and E. It also contains significant amounts of copper, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and manganese, and trace levels of other vital minerals like iron and zinc. So, is guava good for pregnant women? Let’s look at a few benefits of this fruit below:

• Pre-eclampsia, or high blood pressure, is one of the reasons for miscarriages. Guava's high potassium and sodium content helps regulate blood pressure and reduces the danger of blood clots in pregnant women.
• Gestational diabetes can harm both the growing foetus and the mother's health. Guavas possess a low glycaemic index, which inhibits sudden spikes in blood sugar. Its high fibre content regulates sugar content and, therefore, helps prevent gestational diabetes.
• According to research, eating guavas before meals can lower overall cholesterol levels, while increasing good cholesterol. Increased bad cholesterol levels and cardiovascular diseases can negatively impact the health of the foetus and the expectant mother.
• Increased pregnancy hormones can slow down bowel movement and cause constipation and haemorrhoids. The high fibre content of guava relieves constipation and helps prevent haemorrhoids in pregnant women.
• Folic acid may inhibit neural tube defects, which are common congenital anomalies that lead to foetal abnormalities and miscarriages. Guava is rich in folic acid, which helps prevent such defects. Vitamin B, present in guava, also helps in normal cell division and foetal development.
• Guava is high in vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption. Thus, consumption of guava during pregnancy helps prevent anaemia.
• The high levels of vitamin C in guava helps in the improvement of immune functions. Polyphenols, carotenoids, and other vitamins present in guava help the body fight and prevent infections during pregnancy.
• For women, pregnancy may be an especially challenging time. Minerals like magnesium present in guava help relax muscles and nerves. Maternity health insurance can be beneficial during this period, as it helps manage healthcare expenses. It also aids in the prevention of sudden pregnancy cramps.

Pregnancy is a beautiful experience for many women, but one that also brings on a range of challenges. One common issue that many pregnant women experience is back pain which makes it difficult for them to sleep comfortably and get proper rest. This is mainly because during pregnancy, a woman gains a significant amount of weight, her centre of gravity changes, and hormonal changes make her ligaments softer to prepare her for pregnancy. In this article, we will discover different pregnancy back pain remedies for sleeping, which can prevent or ease pain.

Tips to relieve back pain during pregnancy while sleeping

Listed below are several pregnancy back pain remedies for sleeping that a woman could try:

• Sleep on your side

Sleeping on your side and not on your back can ease some back pain, as this can help to reduce the pressure on our lower back and hips. If you are having trouble sleeping on your side, try using a body pillow that supports your belly and back. Or, use maternity pillows available in the market that are specially designed for pregnant women.

• Use a supportive mattress

A supportive mattress can help significantly reduce back pain. Use a firm mattress that can properly support your body while you sleep. It's best to first consult a healthcare professional for guidance before buying a new mattress.

• Apply a warm or cold compress to your back

Applying a warm or cold compress to your back can help reduce pain and inflammation. For a cold compress, use an ice pack, and for hot compresses, you can use a heating pad or a hot water bag.

• Practise good posture

Slouching puts pressure on the spine and further aggravates back pain. It is thus important to maintain good posture during pregnancy that can help reduce back pain and maintain proper alignment of the spinal cord. It is also recommended to wear a good, supporting maternity belt that provides support to the abdomen.

Fruits are loaded with crucial vitamins and minerals that our bodies need to maintain good health and vibrant, glowing skin. Our skin, being the largest external organ, requires proper nutrition to repair itself and combat damage. While factors like genetics and skin type play a role in determining skin colour, other factors like pollution, stress and hormone levels, and sun exposure also contribute to skin colour. Interestingly, including fruits rich in vitamin C in our diet can help achieve a brighter skin tone.

In this article, we explore the fruits known for their potential to promote skin whitening and provide a glowing complexion. Additionally, ensuring you have adequate health insurance coverage can provide peace of mind for your overall well-being.

Top 10 best fruits for skin whitening

Besides vitamins and minerals, fruits are also rich in antioxidants that help destroy harmful substances in the body, called free radicals, that cause dullness of the skin. Fruits can thus hydrate your skin and help to keep it glowing and healthy. So, if you’ve ever wondered, ‘which fruit is good for skin whitening,’ we’ve provided a list of fruits that are known to make skin fairer and brighter:

• Citrus fruits: Citrus fruits top the list of skin whitening fruits, as these are rich in vitamin C (a known skin whitening agent) and antioxidants, and they keep the skin hydrated. Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, sweet limes, grapefruits, etc. can reduce melanin (pigment that gives your skin colour) expression and make skin brighter. Oranges, lemons and their peels can also be used to make an effective face mask.
• Cucumbers: Cucumbers are the second most sought-after fruit when it comes to skin whitening. They are known to effectively hydrate the skin and help make it blemish-free.
• Strawberries: Strawberries are another example of nutrient-dense fruits with a skin-brightening effect. They also have loads of vitamin C, which is a well-known skin whitening agent.
• Watermelons: In terms of hydrating the skin, watermelons are the best. They are full of vitamins and minerals and contain 92% water. Eating watermelons, particularly in the summer, helps to keep your skin glowing and bright.
• Apples: Apples are a powerful source of antioxidants and other nutrients that are needed for young and glowing skin. Eating apples daily helps to get brighter skin as well as helps resist premature skin ageing.
• Pomegranates: Pomegranate is great for all skin types. The antioxidants and nutrients found in it have anti-ageing and skin brightening properties. It can safeguard your skin from dangerous UV rays and helps to speed up skin cell rejuvenation.
• Tomatoes: The lycopene (colouring) found in tomatoes helps protect the skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays and it also brightens the skin.
• Blueberries: Blueberries are a terrific source of antioxidants that fight skin ageing and help you get brighter, even-toned skin.
• Avocados: Avocados are rich in antioxidants and good fat, both of which play important roles in making the skin look plump and brighter. They also help lessen inflammation of the skin.

Are you looking to give your hair the nourishment it needs? Healthy, shiny hair often starts with what we include in our diets. While certain nutrients found in food are necessary for healthy locks, some fruits have plenty of amazing qualities that can benefit our hair, too! In this article, we'll explore the many benefits that different types of fruits and vegetables offer, when it comes to enhancing and maintaining good hair health.

10 fruits and vegetables that promote hair growth

Fruits and vegetables are a great source of nutrients required by our whole body, including our hair. We’ve listed 10 fruits and vegetables below that play an essential role in boosting the hair quality.

• Oranges: Loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants, oranges are probably one of the most nutritious fruits that can be included in a diet for healthy hair. You can also use its pulp and apply it as a paste (along with its peel) to get shiny hair.
• Gooseberry: Indian gooseberries, also known as amla, are not only highly nutritious to consume, but they also offer excellent benefits when applied to the hair. For centuries, amla has been revered for its medicinal properties in treating various hair problems.
• Banana: Besides being a good source of potassium and magnesium, bananas are rich in natural oils that can add softness and lustre to hair when applied topically. Eating bananas regularly also helps to promote hair growth.
• Papaya: Papaya makes for a great hair mask. It is full of nutrients that are needed for good hair growth when applied topically, in addition to consumption of this fruit. Papaya hair masks can activate hair follicles for good growth and also clear dandruff from the scalp.

Health insurance companies in India are promoting the cause of health management and providing affordable healthcare

Health insurance business in India is amidst an exciting journey. Insurance companies have moved from pure reimbursement models to covering outpatient and domiciliary treatment costs. Health insurance companies are now also taking interest in the wellness of the insured.

From Health Insurance to Health Consciousness

Insurers have begun using wearable technologies. From the number of steps you walk to the weights you lift in the gym and activities like swimming and yoga, everything is tracked through fitness apps. There are rewards to be won for the insured. For instance, insurers offer exciting discounts on renewal premium for walking more.

Insurance companies are now willing to provide health insurance to people with pre-existing illnesses, though the diseases are covered after a waiting period. The waiting period is normally 2 or 4 years for different diseases. Some have lowered the 4-year waiting period to 3 years. Those who contract any of the lifestyle diseases in future are even offered reimbursement of outpatient expenses subject to fulfilment of certain requirements.

Insurance companies have begun to engage with their customers on a regular basis to ensure that they play a positive role in their health outcomes. Insurance companies have an interest in reducing claims. If a customer is able to detect a disease early, the insurance company can save on an expensive procedure for diagnosing the same disease at a later stage. Health insurance would soon become a tool that makes the insured more health conscious.

Challenging Landscape of Health Insurance

Health insurance penetration is still low in India and those insured are largely underinsured. Private insurance companies cover insurance companies only about 3% of the population. The rest of the insured (about 28 crore people) are covered under a health insurance scheme of the government.

India is undergoing a massive urbanisation wave. It is estimated that about one crore people migrate to cities and towns every year in search of work. India’s urban population in 2011 was 37.7 crore. If urban India were a separate country, it would be the fourth largest country in the world.

The rapid urbanisation offers enormous opportunities to insurance companies, but will bring along with challenges. Continuous innovations in offerings will be required to bring more of the increasing urban population under mediclaim insurance coverage.

Elements of Evolving Health Insurance

Health insurance going ahead will look completely different and its prime elements will be:

• Customer experience:Insurance companies will have to create experiences for customers around health insurance products. Wearable devices that track the data points required by insurance companies will be a key driver of customer experience.

• Product innovation:Insurance products will evolve rapidly as it becomes increasingly important for insurance companies to provide end-to-end solutions and not just health insurance. The products will have to encompass all the stages – prevention, cure, and care.

• Customer centricity:Product development process is beginning to change. It will no longer be about a product pushed to customers. The process will shift to providing solutions to problems faced or would be faced by customers.

• Data Analytics:Analytics will become all pervading with the generation of data multiplying and insurance companies getting access to data collected from the insurance industry, government agencies, and the internet.

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Major factors to think about while buying health insurance in Mumbai

Health is a man’s only true wealth and without it, life becomes very difficult. This is especially true in a city like Mumbai, where life is so fast paced and there is also a major risk of accidents happening. It therefore becomes very important to choose the right health plan for you and your family, when you’re living in such a bustling metropolis. There are many good health insurance companies in Mumbai that you can rely on for securing your health. Here we tell you a bit more on how to go about it.

Major Factors to Consider

Choosing a health insurance plan is a big decision. The total cover amount (sum assured) and the premium are important factors to consider while deciding on your policy. The following are the other factors to consider:

·       Claim Settlement:

Insurance companies with high claim settlement ratios or a low claim pending ratio are better at handling health insurance quickly and efficiently. Choosing such a company, would be better for you, should you need to make a claim.

·       Co-payment:

Although the premium is an important factor, cheaper polices may not always offer you complete coverage, especially if it comes with a co-payment clause. Co-payment means that the policyholder will have to pay a pre-defined percentage of the claim while the insurance company will pay the rest. This is a common clause in group policies like employer-provided policies.

·       Day-care Procedures:

Day-care procedures are those that can be done without needing hospitalization (meaning within a day). Normally, to make a claim, at least 24 hours of hospitalization is required. Therefore, opting for a plan that covers maximum day-care procedures would be ideal.

·       Network Hospitals:

Insurance companies usually have a list of network hospitals at which their cashless facilities can be availed. This factor becomes especially important for those who travel a lot. The list will be different for different insurance companies. Explore the comprehensive list of hospitals in Mumbai covered by ICICI Lombard.

·       Pre/Post Hospitalisation:

Pre/Post hospitalisation expenses include those medical expenses incurred before and/or after hospitalisation. Follow up visits to the doctor, medication costs, follow-up investigations etc. are included under post hospitalisation expenses. However, this facility will cover only those expenses related to the ailment that you were being treated for.

Other Factors to Keep in Mind

Health insurance policies often include a no-claim bonus which can add to your overall sum assured if you make no claims in a year. Therefore, it is better to buy them early, when you are young and healthy. Additionally, since health insurance policies have a lifetime renewal, this can come in handy.

Another thing to keep in mind is that, even if you have a complete health insurance plan for your entire family, it is still better to have individual plans as well, especially for the older members of your family. This is because if the older ‘high risk’ members have frequent claims, it will leave other members of the family without any cover.

Finally, read the fine print carefully before choosing your health insurance policy, especially if you are buying it online. Consult an insurance agent/expert in case you need further clarifications.

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