Ken Stuart wrote:

>Flax seeds are even smaller than grains - why would it even occur to a
>hunterer-gatherer to eat them?


I agree.  The probability that tiny herb-seeds like flax and sesame have
contributed significantly to the energy intake of pre-agricultural diets is,
IMO, not much greater than that of grain.  With flax, there is also the
powerful laxative effect. Although this is considered desireable by many
civilized HG's, I'd imagine that actual foragers would tend to avoid plants
that are obvious laxatives.  After all, powerful laxatives can cause poor
absorbtion of other foods in the gut and perhaps even dehydration/
electrolyte imballance.  Does anyone know where flax and sesame originated?

B. Lischer