Sand Vs. Gravel?

#21
Is the purpose of a substrate primarily for plant growth?? I have two tanks with cichlids and I am considering switching to sand due to the dirt that accumulates on the gravel and the amount that the cichlids move the gravel around; plus I think it will look nicer. I just want to make sure that the whole concept of a substrate is for plants? (obviously with cichlids I'm not going to stress over trying to grow live plants.) Thanks for the clarification!