Can you explain "why" grains are needed in the human diet? i don't agree, especially b/c so many have issues with gluten... but i'm also not a doctor.

Nutritional needs: You are right to be skeptical . There are lots of primitive cultures that probably consumed few grains because of where they lived etc. Meat actually contains all the nutrients we need to survive, although a meat-only diet would get boring pretty fast! in ireland, the potato famine was horrible because children would survive quite well on milk and potatoes, but without potatoes, they starved.

Grains: Grains are not absolutely essential. Historically, grain was plantable and provided essential food for centuries. Now, grain is optional. Eating balanced from fruit, veggie, nuts, egg, fish, meat is sufficient. Agree that we eat too much refined carbs from grain. One great grain is oat. Whole grain oatmeal is decent.