Possibly more important, it helps morale. In varying degrees both provide the calories, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins needed for normal daily body functions. Calories are a measure of heat and potential energy. The average person needs 2,000 calories per day to function at a minimum level. An adequate amount of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins without an adequate caloric intake will lead to starvation and cannibalism of the body's own tissue for energy.
Many plants provide enough protein to keep the body at normal efficiency.
Although plants may not provide a balanced diet, they will sustain you even in the arctic, where meat's heat-producing qualities are normally essential. Many plant foods such as nuts and seeds will give you enough protein and oils for normal efficiency. Roots, green vegetables, and plant food containing natural sugar will provide calories and carbohydrates that give the body natural energy. The food value of plants becomes more and more important if you are eluding the enemy or if you are in an area where wildlife is scarce. You can dry plants by wind, air, sun, or fire.