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A loose bunch of deep-green, elongated leaves with pointed tips, toothed edges, and prominent veins.
●Low GI
★Natural
⚡High Potassium

Lion's Ear Calories

Traditional medicinal herb, rich in antioxidants

In season: Spring · Summer

CALORIES · 100 G

38kcal

GI

15low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

410mg

FIBER · 100 G

3.8g

Quick answer

1 cup (chopped) of Lion's Ear (40 g) has 15 calories. That works out to 38 calories per 100 g. It contains 2.6 g of carbs, 1.1 g of protein, 0.2 g of fat and 1.5 g of fiber. Its 34.8 µg of Vitamin K covers 29% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 15 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Lion's Ear Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 cup (chopped) · 40 g

15

KCAL / 40G

Carbs

2.6g

· 1% DV

Protein

1.1g

· 2% DV

Fat

0.2g

· 0% DV

Fiber

1.5g

· 5% DV

DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.

Calories come from: Carbs 63% · Protein 27% · Fat 10%

Lion's Ear nutrition facts table · 1 cup (chopped) (40 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories15 kcal
Total fat0.2 g0%
Saturated fat0.05 g0%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium7.2 mg0%
Total carbohydrate2.6 g1%
Fiber1.5 g5%
Protein1.1 g2%

Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.

Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.

Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.

Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.

Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.

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How Many Calories in 1 Cup of Chopped Lion's Ear?

ServingAmountCalories
1 cup (chopped)40 g15 kcal
1 teaspoon (diced)2 g1 kcal
1 tablespoon (chopped)5 g2 kcal
1 piece (whole)8 g3 kcal
1 serving (medium)20 g8 kcal
1 cup (shredded)30 g11 kcal
1 serving (large)60 g23 kcal
100 g100 g38 kcal

Calculated from 38 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lion's Ear

What is Lion's Ear used for?

Lion's Ear is traditionally used as a medicinal herb, but strong clinical evidence does not establish that it treats a disease. Its antioxidant content does not by itself prove a health benefit or make it a substitute for medical care.

Is Lion's Ear edible?

Lion's Ear is not commonly eaten as a vegetable. Its leaves and flowers are associated with traditional herbal use, but that does not establish that eating the plant is safe; do not consume a wild plant based on appearance alone.

How do you make Lion's Ear tea?

Lion's Ear tea is typically made by steeping dried leaves or flowers in hot water. There is no well-established standard serving or safety guidance, so avoid assuming that a traditional preparation is suitable for regular drinking.

Is Lion's Ear the same as wild dagga?

Yes. Wild dagga, lion's tail, and Lion's Ear are common names often used for Leonotis leonurus. Common names can refer to different plants in different places, so check the botanical name when identifying or buying it.

Which part of Lion's Ear is used?

The leaves and flowers of Lion's Ear are the parts most often mentioned in traditional herbal use. Safety and appropriate amounts for different plant parts are not well established, so do not gather or use it without reliable identification.

Does Lion's Ear have psychoactive effects?

Lion's Ear is sometimes promoted as a cannabis substitute, but its effects are not reliably established and it should not be assumed to produce a predictable high. Smoking any plant material can irritate and harm the lungs.

Can Lion's Ear interact with medications?

Interactions between Lion's Ear and medicines have not been adequately studied, so safety cannot be assumed. If you take prescription or over-the-counter medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using Lion's Ear as a tea or supplement.

How do you grow Lion's Ear?

Lion's Ear grows best in a sunny spot with well-drained soil and is sensitive to frost. In cold climates, grow it in a container that can be moved under cover for winter; prune after flowering to manage its size.

How should you store dried Lion's Ear?

Store dried Lion's Ear leaves or flowers in a sealed container away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Discard them if they become damp, moldy, or develop an unusual smell.

Is Lion's Ear safe during pregnancy?

Lion's Ear should be avoided during pregnancy because its safety has not been established. Traditional use is not proof that it is safe for a pregnant person or developing baby.

Lion's Ear Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

Vitamin K

34.8µg · 29% DV

Vitamin A

112µg · 12% DV

Vitamin C

8.4mg · 9% DV

Vitamin E

0.68mg · 5% DV

Minerals

Calcium

74mg · 7% DV

Manganese

0.15mg · 7% DV

Potassium ⭐

164mg · 5% DV

Iron

0.84mg · 5% DV

Sodium

7.2mg · 0% DV

Lion's Ear Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

15
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0.4
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Lion's Ear

To burn the 15 calories in 1 cup (chopped) (40 g):

🚶

4min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

2min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

2min

Cycling

🏊

2min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Lion's Ear?

Lion’s Ear is a leafy, flowering herb rather than a familiar everyday vegetable in many English-speaking kitchens. Its young leaves are eaten as greens in some places, while the leaves or flowers are also steeped for an infusion; culinary use varies by region.

The fresh leaves have a distinct herbal flavour and soften when cooked. In parts of Africa and the Caribbean, the plant is known in local food and herbal traditions, but it is not a standard ingredient everywhere. A 100 g portion has 3.8 g of fibre and 38 calories, making it a light leafy addition. If you are trying it in a meal, start with a small amount in soup or sautéed greens, and pair its assertive flavour with lemon or other mild vegetables.

How Nutritious Is Lion's Ear?

Nutrient density

High

70/ 100

How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.

Satiety score

Medium

59/ 100

An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.

Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.

Is Lion's Ear Processed?

NOVA 1

Unprocessed

1. Unprocessed

2. Minimally Processed

3. Processed

4. Ultra-Processed

NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.

Does Lion's Ear Contain Allergens?

No known major allergens

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish free
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Lion's Ear Good For?

Vegan

✓ Suitable

Vegetarian

✓ Suitable

Gluten-Free

✓ Suitable

Dairy-Free

— Not suitable

Mediterranean

✓ Suitable

Paleo

✓ Suitable

Whole30

— Not suitable

DASH

— Not suitable

Keto

— Not suitable

Low FODMAP

— Not suitable

Lion's Ear Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.05g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.02g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.04g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 2:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.