Do you ever get confused about which is the healthier option when buying everyday food and drink products?
Our in-house dietitian, Jessica Fuller, reveals which of the following options you should choose.
Welcome to the healthy showdown!
Cos lettuce vs iceberg lettuce
Whilst cos lettuce does contain slightly more calories per 100g, it also has 11 times the amount of Vitamin A and three times the amount of folate and Vitamin K!
Both cos and iceberg lettuce will provide a refreshing crunch to your meals. However, simply swapping iceberg to cos lettuce can be an easy way to up your vitamin intake.
Winner: Cos lettuce
Iced tea vs hot tea
A pot of hot tea contains plenty of antioxidants which can provide several health benefits. The typical store-bought iced tea, per 250mL glass, has 22g of sugar which equals 5½ teaspoons!
Would you really add 5 teaspoons of sugar to your regular hot tea?! Probably not. Next time you feel like an iced tea, brew a regular hot tea and fill the glass with ice and 1 tsp of honey.
You now have a healthy iced tea with only 5g of sugar! Plus, your homemade brew of iced tea will have the same antioxidants, catechins and flavonoids as hot tea.
Winner: Hot tea
Tuna vs salmon
Both tuna and salmon are considered a source of oily fish and therefore contain Omega 3 fatty acids. This is essential for helping to prevent heart disease and stroke and may also play protective roles in cancer and other conditions.
Tuna has less calories, less fat and a similar protein content than salmon in a 100g serve. However, calories aren’t the only thing that matters in health.
Salmon has eight times more Omega 3 than tuna and is considered a ‘super source’ of Omega 3.
Both tuna and salmon can be included as part of a balanced diet but in terms of the Omega 3 content and health benefits that come along with Omega 3 intake, salmon is the winner.
Winner: Salmon
Apple vs orange
Fruit in general is a great go-to snack that is full of fibre, micronutrients and low calories.
Apples and oranges are just two examples. But is one better than the other?
Oranges have 12 times the amount of Vitamin C than apples, which is necessary for the growth, development and repair of body tissues.
It’s also involved in many body functions, including formation of collagen, absorption of iron, the immune system, wound healing, and the maintenance of cartilage, bones, and teeth.
Both are similar in calories and contain similar amounts of sugar and fibre.
Winner: Draw (unless you need more vitamin C, in which case orange is the winner)
Egg vs chicken
Eggs and chicken are both high quality animal protein sources. Protein is essential for muscle growth, recovery, and keeping you fuller for longer.
Chicken has less calories per 100g and twice the amount of protein of eggs! However, eggs contain many other important nutrients along with protein including higher amounts of essential Omega 3 and 6 fats than chicken which are beneficial for cognitive function and brain development.
Eggs also contain small amounts of nearly all vitamins and minerals! Depending on your nutrition goals, either option is great. A good variety of both is recommended.
Winner: Draw
Beer vs wine
The alcohol content of wine is typically higher than beer. Therefore, a standard drink of wine is considered around 100ml and a standard drink of mid-strength beer is considered around 375ml.
A typical restaurant sized glass of white wine is 150ml which has 121 calories, which is twice as many compared to 150ml of beer.
However, beer is generally served in 425ml glasses, which contains 182 calories.
Red wine in particular also contains resveratrol, an antioxidant that may have heart health benefits. However, there is also increasing evidence that any alcohol consumed can have a negative impact on health!
Winner: Wine
How did you go?
Did you pick a winner? We hope so!
If you have any questions or need help with your diet, make a booking today with your friendly Pascoe Vale dietitian, Jessica Fuller.
You’d be amazed at the kinds of things a dietitian can help with.
Note: This information is of a general nature only and should not be substituted for medical advice. It does not replace consultations with qualified healthcare professionals to meet your individual medical needs.