The benefits of organic food have been debated for several years but, until just recently no one was really 100% sure that organic foods really were healthier than commercial, non-organic foods. Research and studies comparing organic and non-organic foods have been more controlled, as well as more accurate, in the past few years and have proven that organic foods really are more nutritious.

Organic farming practices ensure natural soil that is free of harmful chemicals and full of rich nutrients. This is in sharp contrast to intensively cultivated soil used by mass producers.. Current research has proven a number of health benefits of organic food, including

• Increased levels of essential minerals, like iron, calcium, and magnesium.

• More vitamin C for stronger immune systems.

• Higher amounts of antioxidants that prevent several types of cancer.

Organic tomatoes were found to have twice as many natural flavonoids than non-organic tomatoes, significantly lowering the chances of heart disease. According to these new observations, just 2 to 3 servings of organic fruit can give you all the nutrients you would receive from the recommended 5 servings of non-organic fruit.

For more on the benefits of organic food please click on the link below this article.

What About Baby?

With all the benefits of organic food, you can see why it is the best choice for you, as well as your family. Organic foods are especially good for your baby. Not only is organic baby food more nutritious, you can feel good about giving your little one all natural ingredients that are free of the chemical residues from pesticides and fertilizers found in processed baby foods.

Making organic baby food is the best way to give your baby a healthy, nutritious diet and it is actually quite simple to do. Homemade baby food is also a less expensive and much fresher alternative to processed foods. Before you get started preparing your little one's first organic meal there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Most infants prefer yellow or orange fruits and vegetables, like bananas and sweet potatoes. Green vegetables, like peas or green beans, are usually less appealing but may be blended with other favourites for a better reaction.

• Certain ingredients, including eggs, honey, and peanuts, should not be included in your child's diet until he is at least one year old.

• A few seasonings can add flavour to your baby's diet, but avoid making organic baby food with spices that may be harsh on her mouth or stomach.

Making Organic Baby Food At Home

Baby food is simply ingredients that are mashed into a smooth consistency to be eaten by an infant. Homemade baby food can be made from the same organic ingredients you feed the rest of your family and it gives you the ability to introduce your little one to many more types of food.

Before you get started making your own organic baby food at home, there are a few basic tools you will need to have on hand.

• A steamer and roasting pan will come in handy for softening fruits and vegetables.

• A hand grinder, food processor, blender, or even a potato masher can be used to make the baby food.

• A cookie sheet and wax paper will come in handy if you plan to make your own infant cereal.

• A cutting board, paring knife, and grater will also be useful in the preparation process.

• An ice cube tray is ideal for freezing small portions of homemade organic baby food. Freezer bags, small freezer containers, or clean baby food jars can also be used for storing.

• You will need freezer tape and a fine tip pen to label and date the baby food in the freezer.

Once you have all your supplies, you can plan your baby's meals and go shopping. Begin with simple cereals made of toasted grains and then start introducing fruits and vegetables to your baby. Select fresh, organic ingredients, but beware of possible nitrates in organic root vegetables like carrots. Too many Nitrates can be harmful to infants under 6 months old so keep the carrot content low.

Peaches, apples, and more exotic fruits like mangoes are excellent first fruits for your homemade organic baby food, while vegetables like squash, potatoes, and asparagus tips are possible choices as well. Once your baby has tried a variety of single fruits and vegetables, you can start making organic baby food with a combination of ingredients to expand her/his sense of taste.

How to Make Homemade Baby Food

Making organic baby food at home is not really a complicated procedure. Start with quality fresh ingredients. Scrub the fruits and vegetables before peeling, cutting, and preparing them.

Boil the food with a small amount of water, steam the ingredients, or bake them to preserve nutrients. Once the ingredients are softened, mash, puree, or grind the food into a smooth, almost soupy consistency, adding water, formula, or breast milk as needed. Remember to strain mashed fruits to avoid seeds.

As your baby gets older, making organic baby food can be as simple as mashing a small amount of the family dinner with a hand grinder. The texture of the baby food can be less smooth as your baby grows as well. Salt, pepper, and other seasonings are not necessary, but herbs and spices can add variety to your homemade baby food as your little one's taste develops.

As a parent, I'm sure you want only the best for your little bundle of joy. Making organic baby food can give your baby the healthy start in life that you hope for, with plenty of essential vitamins and nutrients that promise a strong immune system and proper growth. Homemade organic baby food is inexpensive, easy to make, and the healthiest, as well as safest, choice for your baby's mealtimes.