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Traditional medicinal herb, rich in antioxidants
In season: Spring · Summer
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
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.
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%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 15 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.2 g | 0% |
| Saturated fat | 0.05 g | 0% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 7.2 mg | 0% |
| Total carbohydrate | 2.6 g | 1% |
| Fiber | 1.5 g | 5% |
| Protein | 1.1 g | 2% |
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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| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 cup (chopped) | 40 g | 15 kcal |
| 1 teaspoon (diced) | 2 g | 1 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (chopped) | 5 g | 2 kcal |
| 1 piece (whole) | 8 g | 3 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 20 g | 8 kcal |
| 1 cup (shredded) | 30 g | 11 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 60 g | 23 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 38 kcal |
Calculated from 38 calories per 100 g.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 15 calories in 1 cup (chopped) (40 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
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.
High
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
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.
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.
No known major allergens
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
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.