Hi Jim et al,

Jim Swayze wrote:
> Chocolate is also a bean.

For correctness of the record, cocoa bean is just called a bean, it is
not actually a legume. Same way as vanilla beans, Castor beans and
coffee beans are not legumes.

Similar to peanuts that are legumes; almonds and coconuts that are seeds
of drupes (like olives, cherries and mangos); cashew nuts and pine nuts
that are seeds; Brazil nuts that are seeds from capsules (like poppy seeds).

> I believe that -- for men at least, who were primarily responsible
> for the hunting part of the hunter-gatherer equation

Were they? I think this is just a picture painted to us by patriarchal
Victorian culture, where palaeolithic (not a spelling error) discoveries
were interpreted via modern day hierarchies. Quite a lot of
anthropological discoveries were made then.

> our bodies are designed for periods of high intensity two or three
> times a week followed by periods of rest.

Actually being a hunter myself, I would think it was probably not like
that. In addition to high intensity times, long distances needed to be
travelled at normal speed. So walking around a lot, instead of using
vehicles or sitting in room would sounds sane. 8 km in a day on rough
terrain would be my estimate. Also quite a lot of spying was done before
hunt. I'm hinting on need for mental exercises. I think animals did not
used to come to a hunter and say: „OK, now chase me!” even back then.
Just my guesses. Also, quite a lot of work needs to be done to gather
plant based foods. People did not used to have a supermarket and
health-store nearby.

Those are just few of my thoughts

Indrek