Why do grains have so many more carbs than other plant foods, like nuts or lettuce?

Question

Googling isn’t helping, because the results are all from health and diet pages. I’m trying to find a science answer.

[Request] Please try and actually explain this to a 5-10yo. I have a kid in that age range who’s the one actually asking the question. I can do my best to bring an “I graduated high school” answer down to his level, but I might struggle to bring an “I’ve completed some college and have a basic background in biochemistry” answer to his level. Thanks!

In: 62

Answer 1

Grains are high in complex which are carbs. They are high in such things because they contain a lot of energy for the seed to germinate.

Answer 2

It’s a difference in how they store energy

There are 3 general categories for nutrients

– Carbohydrates

– Fats

– Proteins

While some proteins can be broken down for energy, typically they have better uses. Not often you see “protein stores” with the purpose of energy storage

Many plants, including grains, store a majority of their energy as starches, sugars and fiberous material (carbohydrates). It’s the easiest to break down, so it’s done so as quick energy access. Good for growing grassy plants

Nuts & seeds are mostly fat in the form of oil. Fat holds a tone more energy than carbs, making it a massive bang-for-buck material when you wanna give a seed everything it needs to grow into a little tree. Downside being that it takes a while to break down.

Now, lettuce is technically mostly carbohydrates… But that’s only a technicality. The majority of leafy greens is just water, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. There’s little in the way of actual… anything… there.

Answer 3

Grains are high in complex which are carbs. They are high in such things because they contain a lot of energy for the seed to germinate.

Answer 4

It’s a difference in how they store energy

There are 3 general categories for nutrients

– Carbohydrates

– Fats

– Proteins

While some proteins can be broken down for energy, typically they have better uses. Not often you see “protein stores” with the purpose of energy storage

Many plants, including grains, store a majority of their energy as starches, sugars and fiberous material (carbohydrates). It’s the easiest to break down, so it’s done so as quick energy access. Good for growing grassy plants

Nuts & seeds are mostly fat in the form of oil. Fat holds a tone more energy than carbs, making it a massive bang-for-buck material when you wanna give a seed everything it needs to grow into a little tree. Downside being that it takes a while to break down.

Now, lettuce is technically mostly carbohydrates… But that’s only a technicality. The majority of leafy greens is just water, chlorophyll, vitamins, and minerals. There’s little in the way of actual… anything… there.