Which one is healthier? We spoke with registered dietician and licensed nutritionist Pamela Kelle, who helped us determine the healthier choice between two similar foods.
Chia vs. Flax
Choosing between these two starts with your texture preferences. Chia seeds are gelatinous, making them great for thickening up snacks, whereas you have to grind flaxseeds to release their nutrients. But while you can sprinkle either type on a salad or mix either one into a soup, do you know which one packs more of a nutritional punch?
The Verdict: It depends on your goal.
While flaxseeds have their benefits (e.g., fewer carbohydrates and more vitamin B1), they’ve been known to cause bowel obstructions, according to Kelle. If you’re looking to lose weight, opt for chia seeds. Their gelatinous texture will fill you up longer, and you won’t have to grind them up before you have a snack.
Avocados vs. Bananas
When it comes to avocados and bananas, the similarities end at their creamy, blendable texture. “While they’re both technically in the fruit family, bananas are a sugary fruit, whereas avocados have no sugar and are often considered a fat,” says Kelle. So which one’s healthier – the one with sugar or the one with fat?
The Verdict: Avocados.
Avocados don’t have just any kind of fat – they’re rich in healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which offer a wide range of health benefits including improved cholesterol. Plus, avocados break down slower than sugary bananas, making them a snack that’ll tide you over until mealtime.
Beets vs. Turnips 
If you hated both of these vegetables when you were a kid, it might be time to give them another try now that your tastes have matured. Do you know which one has a slight edge on the other when it comes to health benefits?
The Verdict: Beets, but only by a hair.
“If you’re not turned off by the natural bitterness of turnips, I’d say go for either one. But if I had to choose between the two, I’d say beets are the better option because of their high foliate content and versatility,” says Kelle. “You can eat them raw, roast them, or blend them into a smoothie. I don’t know anyone who would eat a raw turnip!”
