In a message dated 7/17/98 6:01:13 PM, [log in to unmask] wrote: <<Focusing on vitamins will push you towards veggies and fruits and away from tubers and grains, since these latter are so calorically dense that they have a poor micronutrient:calorie rati>> Another argument I've read is that grains contain high levels of phytates which block mineral absorbtion. I also understand that both of these (phytate content, carbohydrate density) are problems with beans as well. Can anyone verify? Elaborate? John M