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Ginkgo Nuts vs Sunflower Seeds: What’s The Difference?

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

Written by Michael Whaley, Health Writer. Updated on January 5, 2023.

Ginkgo Nuts and sunflower 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 sunflower 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).

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds (Helianthus annuus) are the seeds of the sunflower plant, which is native to North America and is now grown in many parts of the world.

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

Sunflower 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 sunflower seeds into your diet.

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

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

Sunflower seeds are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores.

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious seed to add to your diet, consider giving sunflower seeds a try.

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

Sunflower Seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin E.

They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).

Ginkgo Nuts vs Sunflower 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 sunflower seeds.

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

Ginkgo NutsSunflower Seeds
Energy182 kcal612 kcal
Carbs37.6 g17.1 g
Fiber10.3 g
Protein4.32 g21 g
Fat1.68 g56.1 g
Saturated Fat0.319 g5.36 g

Ginkgo Nuts vs Sunflower Seeds Calories

Nuts and seeds are generally high in calories; the same goes for ginkgo nuts and sunflower 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 sunflower seeds for weight loss, ginkgo nuts are slightly lower in calories, with 51 calories per serving, compared to 171 calories per serving of sunflower seeds.

However, both ginkgo nuts and sunflower 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 Sunflower Seeds Protein

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

Sunflower Seeds offer around 80% more protein than ginkgo nuts.

Sunflower Seeds have 21 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 5.9g per serving), while ginkgo nuts have 4.3 grams of protein per 100 grams (or 1.2g per serving).

Ginkgo Nuts vs Sunflower 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 sunflower seeds.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 55% higher in ginkgo nuts than in sunflower seeds. They have 37.6 grams per 100 grams, compared to 17.1 grams in sunflower seeds.

One handful of ginkgo nuts and sunflower 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 sunflower seeds.

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

With 2.9 grams of fiber per portion, sunflower seeds are a better source of fiber than ginkgo nuts which offer 0 grams per portion.

Ginkgo Nuts vs Sunflower Seeds Fats

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

Total fat in ginkgo nuts and sunflower seeds:

  • Ginkgo Nuts: 1.7 grams per 100 grams
  • Sunflower Seeds: 56.1 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, ginkgo nuts are 94% lower in saturated fats.

Ginkgo Nuts and sunflower seeds contain 0.3 grams and 5.4 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Ginkgo Nuts vs Sunflower Seeds Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of ginkgo nuts and sunflower 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 B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin E, and vitamin K.

However, sunflower seeds have a higher amount of vitamin A, and vitamin C.

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

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

Ginkgo NutsSunflower Seeds
Vitamin A558 IU0
Vitamin C15 mg0
Vitamin D00
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)0.22 mg0.473 mg
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)0.09 mg0.507 mg
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)6 mg6.96 mg
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid)0.16 mg0.84 mg
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine)0.328 mg0.76 mg
Vitamin B9 (Folate)54 µg169 µg
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)00
Vitamin E019.6 mg
Vitamin K01.2 µg

Ginkgo Nuts vs Sunflower 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 sunflower seeds comparison focuses on their mineral content.

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

Ginkgo Nuts and sunflower seeds contain the same amount of fluoride.

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

Ginkgo NutsSunflower Seeds
Calcium2 mg78 mg
Copper0.274 mg1.83 mg
Fluoride00
Iron1 mg5.21 mg
Magnesium27 mg358 mg
Manganese0.113 mg2.89 mg
Phosphorus124 mg750 mg
Potassium510 mg689 mg
Selenium080.4 µg
Sodium7 mg532 mg
Zinc0.34 mg6 mg

The Final Word

Ginkgo Nuts and sunflower 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 sunflower 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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