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Ginkgo Nuts vs Safflower Seeds: Which Is Healthier?

This article explains the key similarities and differences between ginkgo nuts and safflower seeds, foods from the nuts and seeds group. Read on to learn more about the ginkgo nuts vs safflower seeds comparison.
Esther Bumpus, Health Writer

Written by Esther Bumpus, Health Writer. Updated on January 5, 2023.

Ginkgo Nuts and safflower seeds 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 safflower seeds 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).

Safflower Seeds

Safflower seeds (Carthamus tinctorius) are the seeds of the safflower plant, which is native to the Mediterranean region.

These seeds have a slightly nutty and slightly earthy flavor, and are often used in a variety of dishes, including breads, cereals, and granolas.

Safflower seeds 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 safflower seeds into your diet.

They can be eaten raw or roasted, and are often used as a topping for salads and other dishes.

Safflower seeds are also available in a variety of forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.

Safflower seeds 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 seed to add to your diet, consider giving safflower seeds a try.

They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Safflower Seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B3 (Niacin).

Ginkgo Nuts vs Safflower Seeds 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 safflower seeds.

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

Ginkgo NutsSafflower Seeds
Energy182 kcal517 kcal
Carbs37.6 g34.3 g
Protein4.32 g16.2 g
Fat1.68 g38.4 g
Saturated Fat0.319 g3.68 g

Ginkgo Nuts vs Safflower Seeds Calories

Nuts and seeds are generally high in calories; the same goes for ginkgo nuts and safflower seeds, 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 safflower seeds for weight loss, ginkgo nuts are slightly lower in calories, with 51 calories per serving, compared to 145 calories per serving of safflower seeds.

However, both ginkgo nuts and safflower seeds 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 Safflower Seeds Protein

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

Safflower Seeds offer around 73% more protein than ginkgo nuts.

Safflower Seeds have 16.2 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 4.5g per serving), while ginkgo nuts have 4.3 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 1.2g per serving).

Ginkgo Nuts vs Safflower Seeds 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 safflower seeds.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 9% higher in ginkgo nuts than in safflower seeds. They have 37.6 grams per 100 grams, compared to 34.3 grams in safflower seeds.

One handful of ginkgo nuts and safflower seeds (28 grams) contains 0 grams of sugar, the same amount.

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

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

Ginkgo Nuts and safflower seeds contain the same amount of fiber, 0 grams per portion.

Ginkgo Nuts vs Safflower Seeds Fats

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

Total fat in ginkgo nuts and safflower seeds:

  • Ginkgo Nuts: 1.7 grams per 100 grams
  • Safflower Seeds: 38.4 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, ginkgo nuts are 92% lower in saturated fats.

Ginkgo Nuts and safflower seeds contain 0.3 grams and 3.7 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Ginkgo Nuts vs Safflower Seeds Vitamins Content

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

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 B9 (Folate).

However, safflower seeds have a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin B3 (Niacin).

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

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

Ginkgo NutsSafflower Seeds
Vitamin A558 IU50 IU
Vitamin C15 mg0
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.22 mg1.16 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.09 mg0.415 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)6 mg2.28 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.16 mg4.03 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.328 mg1.17 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)54 µg160 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E00
Vitamin K00

Ginkgo Nuts vs Safflower Seeds 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 safflower seeds comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Ginkgo Nuts are a better source of calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc than safflower seeds.

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

Ginkgo Nuts and safflower seeds contain the same amount of fluoride, and selenium.

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

Ginkgo NutsSafflower Seeds
Calcium2 mg78 mg
Copper0.274 mg1.75 mg
Fluoride00
Iron1 mg4.9 mg
Magnesium27 mg353 mg
Manganese0.113 mg2.01 mg
Phosphorus124 mg644 mg
Potassium510 mg687 mg
Selenium00
Sodium7 mg3 mg
Zinc0.34 mg5.05 mg

The Final Word

Ginkgo Nuts and safflower seeds 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 safflower seeds 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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