In a message dated 7/25/02 3:25:05 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< The question you should be asking is why people suddenly began to
consume, in increasing quantities, foods that according to you make them
sick in any quantity. >>

The article "The Origins of Agriculture" argued that the fact that they
contain opioids more than likely was one of the contributing factors.  The
authors note that the consumption of grain led to poorer health -- and
probably killed some outright -- but something was pretty compelling about
grains to make people abandoned a WOE that had served them well for millenia
and adopt a lifestyle that was so focussed  on one food. Psychology is
replete with experiments with rats and various drugs -- nothing would stop
them from getting their fix -- nothing that is except death. Once saw an
incredible documentary of some Amazon Indians before and after their
immersion into Western life -- before they were hunters (some gathering),
extraordinarily healthy and lean, sharp, intelligent with strong family
bonds. After -- after the shock of work schedules and jobs and various
illnesses and immunizations -- what was most incredible was the way all of
them, adults and children, could not seem to get enough junk food -- white
flour and sugar stuff.  Their formerly strong, healthy bodies deteriorated,
their skin erupted, they grew fat and many even abandoned their children. It
was a tragedy of the first order. Keep hoping the Discovery channel will play
it again.

Namaste, Liz
<A HREF="http://www.csun.edu/~ecm59556/Healthycarb/index.html">
http://www.csun.edu/~ecm59556/Healthycarb/index.html</A>