Most of them store their energy not in starch
but in oil, a more compact, concentrated
chemical form (p. 121).
Nuts are much less important in the human
diet than grains or legumes because nut trees
don’t begin to bear until years after they’re
planted, and can’t produce as much per acre as
the quick-growing grains and legumes. The
biggest exception to this rule is the coconut, a
staple food in many tropical countries.
Another is the peanut, which is a legume with
an uncharacteristically oily, tender seed, and
which can be grown quickly in massive
numbers.
Seeds and Health
Our seed foods provide us with many
nutritional benefits. To begin with, they’re our
most important staple sources of energy and
protein, and carry the B vitamins that are
required for the chemical work of generating