> >   "Coffee beans were chewed raw for centuries in Ethiopia and Yemen.
> >   Excavations in the Ethiopian highlands where coffee grows wild
indicates
> >   human gathers have been eating coffee berries over a 100,000 years.
The
> >   content. Being sweet, being nutritious, and seeds being in 100,000
year old
> >   human faeces supports this theory."
>
> I had no idea that coffee beans/berries were sweet, but if this
> is correct then coffee surely passes the paleo test.  This would
> be a fine example of a paleo food that nevertheless contains
> substances that are toxic.

My physical anthropology professor told me that coffee is a low-level
mutagen (i.e., it causes mutations in one's DNA). Considering it's high
level of acidity and caffiene, I would never consider making coffee (the
beverage) part of my diet. There are much better options for hot beverages
(e.g., green tea).  I can't speak to the nutritional value of coffee berries
eaten raw. Doesn't sound too appetizing.

Troy G.