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Ginkgo Nuts vs Pistachios: Which Is Healthier?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between ginkgo nuts and pistachios, foods from the nuts and seeds group. Read on to learn more about the ginkgo nuts vs pistachios comparison.
Catherine Toledo, Journalist

Written by Catherine Toledo, Journalist. Updated on January 5, 2023.

Ginkgo Nuts and pistachios 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 ginkgo nuts and pistachios and compare their similarities and differences.

They both provide a variety of nutrients and are relatively high in calories, like other nuts and seeds.

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).

Pistachios

Pistachios (Pistacia vera) are a type of nut that is native to the Middle East and are now grown in many parts of the world.

These nuts have a slightly sweet and slightly nutty flavor and are often used in sweet and savory dishes.

Pistachios 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 pistachios 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. Pistachios are also available in various forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.

Pistachios are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores. 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 pistachios a try. They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Pistachios are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin E and some Vitamin C, and Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

Ginkgo Nuts vs Pistachios Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing ginkgo nuts vs pistachios.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of ginkgo nuts and pistachios and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral contents.

Ginkgo NutsPistachios
Energy182 kcal560 kcal
Carbs37.6 g27.2 g
Sugar7.66 g
Fiber10.6 g
Protein4.32 g20.2 g
Fat1.68 g45.3 g
Saturated Fat0.319 g5.91 g

Ginkgo Nuts vs Pistachios Calories

Nuts and seeds are generally high in calories; the same goes for ginkgo nuts and pistachios, 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 pistachios for weight loss, ginkgo nuts are slightly lower in calories, with 51 calories per serving, compared to 157 calories per serving of pistachios.

However, both ginkgo nuts and pistachios 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.

Ginkgo Nuts vs Pistachios Protein

Nuts and seeds, including ginkgo nuts and pistachios, are an important source of plant-based protein.

Pistachios offer around 79% more protein than ginkgo nuts.

Pistachios have 20.2 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 5.7g per serving), while ginkgo nuts have 4.3 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 1.2g per serving).

Ginkgo Nuts vs Pistachios 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 ginkgo nuts and pistachios.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 28% higher in ginkgo nuts than in pistachios. They have 37.6 grams per 100 grams, compared to 27.2 grams in pistachios.

There’s less sugar in ginkgo nuts than in pistachios, 100% precisely.

One handful of ginkgo nuts (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, while the same amount of pistachios contains 2.1 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in ginkgo nuts and pistachios.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 3 grams of fiber per portion, pistachios are a better source of fiber than ginkgo nuts which offer 0 grams per portion.

Ginkgo Nuts vs Pistachios Fats

Like the other nuts and seeds, fats in ginkgo nuts and pistachios are a great source of healthy unsaturated fats, naturally cholesterol free, and free of trans fats.

Total fat in ginkgo nuts and pistachios:

  • Ginkgo Nuts: 1.7 grams per 100 grams
  • Pistachios: 45.3 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, ginkgo nuts are 95% lower in saturated fats.

Ginkgo Nuts and pistachios contain 0.3 grams and 5.9 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Ginkgo Nuts vs Pistachios Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of ginkgo nuts and pistachios.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Ginkgo Nuts have a higher amount of vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and vitamin E.

However, pistachios have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin B3 (Niacin), and vitamin B9 (Folate).

Ginkgo Nuts and pistachios contain the same amount of vitamin D, vitamin B12 (Cobalamin), and vitamin K.

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins ginkgo nuts and pistachios contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Ginkgo NutsPistachios
Vitamin A558 IU516 IU
Vitamin C15 mg5.6 mg
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.22 mg0.87 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.09 mg0.16 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)6 mg1.3 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.16 mg0.52 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.328 mg1.7 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)54 µg51 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E02.86 mg
Vitamin K00

Ginkgo Nuts vs Pistachios 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 ginkgo nuts and pistachios comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Ginkgo Nuts are a better source of calcium, copper, fluoride, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc than pistachios.

On the other hand, pistachios have a higher amount of sodium.

Check out the table below to learn how ginkgo nuts and pistachios compare when it comes to mineral contents.

Ginkgo NutsPistachios
Calcium2 mg105 mg
Copper0.274 mg1.3 mg
Fluoride03.4 µg
Iron1 mg3.92 mg
Magnesium27 mg121 mg
Manganese0.113 mg1.2 mg
Phosphorus124 mg490 mg
Potassium510 mg1020 mg
Selenium07 µg
Sodium7 mg1 mg
Zinc0.34 mg2.2 mg

The Final Word

Ginkgo Nuts and pistachios 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 ginkgo nuts and pistachios 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.

Sources

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