Food is important for health, and if you have type I or type II diabetes, the foods you eat can make all the difference when it comes to maintaining energy, blood sugar levels, protecting eye and kidney health, and preventing heart disease and stroke.

If you have diabetes that main concern is eating foods that keep you blood glucose levels in check, while making sure to eat a balanced diet filled with vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, antioxidants, and healthy fats. These diabetes superfoods are not only rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber to keep blood sugar stable, they also help prevent diabetes associated diseases (i.e., heart disease and stroke):

1. Beans
There are plenty of beans to feature in a diabetic’s diet to boost protein, fiber and potassium intake, as well as magnesium, which many diabetics are deficient in. In fact, elevated blood glucose levels often quicken the loss of magnesium via the urine for diabetics, which in turn further reduces blood levels of magnesium. Try an assortment of beans, such as black beans, navy beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans and you’re sure to find some you like.

2. Fatty fish
Salmon often gets the most attention when it comes to fatty cuts of fish, however, sardines, mackerel, anchovies, and herring are also great sources of “good” fats (i.e., omega-3 fatty acids), and the blood vessel protectors, DHA and EPA, which are linked to protecting heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke, if consumed 3 to 4 times per week.

3. Turmeric
The tangy, bright yellow spice is often a feature in curries and Middle Eastern dishes, however, we’d all be wise to take advantage of turmerics many benefits for diabetics. Why? Turmeric is rich in a substance known as curcumin, which reduces inflammation and manages blood sugar thanks to several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. All in all, turmeric is an excellent protector of heart health.

4. Broccoli
Broccoli is part of the brassica family of edible plants, and like it’s sister veggies (i.e., turnip, kohlrabi, cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower) almost all parts of this fiber rich veggie can be consumed. A friend to diabetics everywhere, broccoli keeps hunger and insulin levels in check when you consume a small amount. So this fiber rich veggies, that’s also low in calories and fat, keeps appetite satiated, metabolism in check, and weight manageable.

5. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is quite the versatile spice. It can be sprinkled almost anywhere (i.e., on oats, in smoothies, and baked goods) in order to cut down the refined sugar content for those looking to add extra sweetness. However, this spice is also filled with antioxidants, which according to the National Institutes of Health, help lower blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity in diabetic patients.