Hi Jim, 
Sure, there are many complexities inherent in this question. However, I
continue to challenge Cordain's stated position that: "Without them, there
would be worldwide starvation of an unprecedented proportion. we have
wandered down a path of absolute dependence upon cereal grains, a path from
which there is no return." 

That's a pretty rigid position for Dr. Cordain to take. Anyone who has
cultivated a vegetable garden and a bit of cereal grain will know that grain
cultivation is much less efficient on a per-acre basis. I'll certainly grant
that there are economic and waste considerations that mitigate against my
position, but I doubt that they would approach offsetting the differences in
crop production. 

Best Wishes, 
Ron

-----Original Message-----
From: Paleolithic Eating Support List [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Jim Swayze
Sent: Monday, June 29, 2009 4:16 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Paleo Diet offers the net-base balance needed

Correct.  The issue is always more complex than it first appears.

Jim

On Jun 29, 2009, at 4:33 PM, Tracy Bradley wrote:

> I think taking into account the nutritional bang for the buck  
> matters also, and what quantities need to be consumed in order to  
> be well-nourished and to prevent hunger. Anecdotally, I need a lot  
> less beef than I do veg. Grains, man I could eat those all day and  
> never feel satisfied!
>
> Day, Wally wrote:
>>> Comparing by volume can be tricky.  An acre of wheat can yield  
>>> 3000 lbs,
>>> while an acre of tomatoes can yield 40 tons -- obviously a gigantic
>>> difference by volume.  However, in terms of available energy  
>>> (calories),
>>> the wheat has only about 1/3 less calories per acre than the  
>>> tomatoes.
>>> Still less, but not nearly as much as the volume difference would  
>>> lead you
>>> to believe.
>>>
>>
>> Another factor to consider - grains can be stored immediately and  
>> indefinitley quite easily. Fruits and veggies, however, require a  
>> wide range of storage methods (drying, canned, frozen, etc.). What  
>> should be added into the above equation - how much of that energy  
>> is "lost" because of improper storage methods and/or waste during  
>> storage prep? Obvioulsy, it would be best if everyone worldwide  
>> ate fresh, off-the-vine, food everyday. But how practical is that?  
>> (I can't believe I'm defending grains, but for the sake of  
>> discussion I will :)
>>