1. A Subtle Difference
Beans and nuts are both high protein foods that are part of a healthy weight-loss diet. While most people know that there is a difference, they rarely realize what that true difference is. Although both beans and nuts are generally found inside a pod or shell, the two groups are actually significantly dissimilar on closer inspection.
2. A Nut Is a Fruit
Botanically speaking, a nut is defined as a dry fruit with a single seed (occasionally two). It becomes very hard when it matures, and the seed remains unattached within the ovary wall. They do not open at maturity. Common nuts include almonds, walnuts, pecans and chestnuts.
3. A Bean Is a Seed
Technically, the word "bean" describes the sizable plant seeds of several members of the Fabaceae family, otherwise known as legumes. Beans usually refer to the seeds of bean plants, but the term can also apply to the entire young pods of bean plants. They are generally soft when picked, but can be dried to harden. Common beans include kidney, butter and black beans.
4. Number of Seeds
Usually, a nut only has one seed, with a maximum of two. However, many beans contain multiple seeds. In fact, it is not uncommon for a pod to contain half a dozen beans.
5. Attached or Unattached to the Ovary
The seed of a true nut is never attached to the ovary wall, while beans often contain seeds attached to their pods.
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