Chia Seeds vs Ginkgo Nuts: How To Choose?
Chia Seeds and ginkgo nuts belong to the nuts and seeds food group, an important group for a healthy diet, as they provide a wide range of essential nutrients, such as protein, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and vitamins and minerals.
In this article, we’ll put a spotlight on chia seeds and ginkgo nuts and compare their similarities and differences.
They both provide a variety of nutrients and are relatively high in calories, like other nuts and seeds.
Chia Seeds
Chia seeds (Salvia hispanica) are small, black seeds that come from the chia plant, which is native to Central and South America.
These seeds have gained popularity recently as a health food due to their high fiber and nutrient content.
Chia seeds have a slightly nutty and slightly earthy flavor and can be eaten raw or cooked.
They can be added to a variety of dishes, including smoothies, cereals, and baked goods, or used as a topping for salads and other dishes.
Chia seeds are also available in oil form, which can be used in cooking or as a salad dressing.
Chia seeds are a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids.
They are also a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including calcium, magnesium, and iron.
Overall, chia seeds are a nutritious and versatile food that can be a valuable addition to a plant-based diet.
If you’re looking to add more fiber, protein, and healthy fats to your diet, consider giving chia seeds a try. They are versatile, nutritious, and may have a variety of health benefits.
Chia Seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B3 (Niacin).
They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).
Ginkgo Nuts
Ginkgo nuts (Ginkgo biloba) are the seeds of the ginkgo tree, which is native to China and is now grown in many parts of the world.
These nuts have a slightly sweet and slightly nutty flavor, and are often used in both sweet and savory dishes.
Ginkgo nuts are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals.
They are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.
There are many ways to incorporate ginkgo nuts into your diet.
They can be eaten raw or roasted, and are often used in baking or as a topping for salads and other dishes.
Ginkgo nuts are also available in a variety of forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.
Ginkgo nuts are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores, particularly in Asian markets.
They are often sold roasted or raw, and can be purchased with or without the shell.
If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious nut to add to your diet, consider giving ginkgo nuts a try.
They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.
Ginkgo Nuts are an excellent source of Vitamin B3 (Niacin).
They also contain a good amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin).
Chia Seeds vs Ginkgo Nuts Nutrition
Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing chia seeds vs ginkgo nuts.
This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of chia seeds and ginkgo nuts and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral contents.
Chia Seeds | Ginkgo Nuts | |
---|---|---|
Energy | 486 kcal | 182 kcal |
Carbs | 42.1 g | 37.6 g |
Protein | 16.5 g | 4.32 g |
Fat | 30.7 g | 1.68 g |
Saturated Fat | 3.33 g | 0.319 g |
Chia Seeds vs Ginkgo Nuts Calories
Nuts and seeds are generally high in calories; the same goes for chia seeds and ginkgo nuts, so you should consume them in moderation.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a proper serving is one ounce, which is roughly equal to 1/4 cup or 28 grams.
To keep the portions under control, the amounts correspond to one serving size: 14 walnut halves, 16 cashews, 24 almonds, 28 peanuts, or 45 pistachios.
Comparing ginkgo nuts vs chia seeds for weight loss, ginkgo nuts are slightly lower in calories, with 51 calories per serving, compared to 136 calories per serving of chia seeds.
However, both chia seeds and ginkgo nuts can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight. It’s just important to eat them in moderation.
Chia Seeds vs Ginkgo Nuts Protein
Nuts and seeds, including chia seeds and ginkgo nuts, are an important source of plant-based protein.
Chia Seeds offer around 74% more protein than ginkgo nuts.
Chia Seeds have 16.5 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 4.6g per serving), while ginkgo nuts have 4.3 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 1.2g per serving).
Chia Seeds vs Ginkgo Nuts Carbs
Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.
It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in chia seeds and ginkgo nuts.
The total amount of carbohydrates is around 11% higher in chia seeds than in ginkgo nuts. They have 42.1 grams per 100 grams, compared to 37.6 grams in ginkgo nuts.
One handful of chia seeds and ginkgo nuts (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, the same amount.
Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in chia seeds and ginkgo nuts.
Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.
With 9.6 grams of fiber per portion, chia seeds are a better source of fiber than ginkgo nuts which offer 0 grams per portion.
Chia Seeds vs Ginkgo Nuts Fats
Like the other nuts and seeds, fats in chia seeds and ginkgo nuts are a great source of healthy unsaturated fats, naturally cholesterol free, and free of trans fats.
Total fat in chia seeds and ginkgo nuts:
- Chia Seeds: 30.7 grams per 100 grams
- Ginkgo Nuts: 1.7 per 100 grams
Speaking of saturated fats, ginkgo nuts are 91% lower in saturated fats.
Ginkgo Nuts and chia seeds contain 0.3 grams and 3.3 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.
Chia Seeds vs Ginkgo Nuts Vitamins Content
This section will discuss the vitamin content of chia seeds and ginkgo nuts.
Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.
Chia Seeds have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and vitamin B9 (Folate).
However, ginkgo nuts have a higher amount of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), and vitamin E.
Chia Seeds and ginkgo nuts contain the same amount of vitamin D, vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), and vitamin K.
The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins chia seeds and ginkgo nuts contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.
Chia Seeds | Ginkgo Nuts | |
---|---|---|
Vitamin A | 54 IU | 558 IU |
Vitamin C | 1.6 mg | 15 mg |
Vitamin D | 0 | 0 |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.62 mg | 0.22 mg |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.17 mg | 0.09 mg |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 8.83 mg | 6 mg |
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0 | 0.16 mg |
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) | 0 | 0.328 mg |
Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 49 µg | 54 µg |
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | 0 | 0 |
Vitamin E | 0.5 mg | 0 |
Vitamin K | 0 | 0 |
Chia Seeds vs Ginkgo Nuts Minerals Content
Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.
Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the chia seeds and ginkgo nuts comparison focuses on their mineral content.
Chia Seeds are a better source of potassium than ginkgo nuts.
On the other hand, ginkgo nuts have a higher amount of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium, and zinc.
Chia Seeds and ginkgo nuts contain the same amount of fluoride.
Check out the table below to learn how chia seeds and ginkgo nuts compare when it comes to mineral contents.
Chia Seeds | Ginkgo Nuts | |
---|---|---|
Calcium | 631 mg | 2 mg |
Copper | 0.924 mg | 0.274 mg |
Fluoride | 0 | 0 |
Iron | 7.72 mg | 1 mg |
Magnesium | 335 mg | 27 mg |
Manganese | 2.72 mg | 0.113 mg |
Phosphorus | 860 mg | 124 mg |
Potassium | 407 mg | 510 mg |
Selenium | 55.2 µg | 0 |
Sodium | 16 mg | 7 mg |
Zinc | 4.58 mg | 0.34 mg |
The Final Word
Chia Seeds and ginkgo nuts are highly nutritious and excellent sources of plant-based protein and healthy fats.
Although they are relatively high in calories, they are essential to a healthy, plant-based diet and are linked to many health benefits.
Both chia seeds and ginkgo nuts are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.
Nuts and seeds are versatile foods, and can be part of any meal or salad, just be sure to eat them moderately, as they are loaded with calories.
Nuts and seeds are versatile foods and can be part of any meal or salad, just be sure to eat them moderately, as they are loaded with calories.
Holy Peas has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals, associations and government institutions. Read more about our process.
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