Organic foods, especially raw or non-processed, contain higher levels of beta carotene, vitamins C, D and E, health-promoting polyphenols, cancer-fighting antioxidants, flavonoids that help ward off heart disease, essential fatty acids, and essential minerals on average, organic is 25% more nutritious in terms of
vitamins and minerals than products derived from industrial agriculture. Since on the average, organic food’s shelf price is only 20% higher than chemical food, this makes it actually cheaper, gram for gram, than chemical food, even ignoring the astronomical hidden costs (damage to health, climate, environment, and government subsidies) of industrial food production.
* Levels of antioxidants in milk from organic cattle are between 50% and 80% higher than normal milk. Organic wheat, tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, onions and lettuce have between 20% and 40% more nutrients than non-organic foods.
* Organic food contains qualitatively higher levels of essential minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, iron and chromium), that are severely depleted in chemical foods grown on pesticide and nitrate fertilizer-abused soil. UK and US government statistics indicate that levels of trace minerals in (non-organic) fruit and vegetables fell by up to 76% between 1940 and 1991.
To Learn more-http://organicconsumers.org/organlink.cfm
Monday, February 15, 2010
Friday, February 12, 2010
Better Ways to Get DHA/ARA
Better Ways to Get DHA/ARA
“100% Organic, 100% of the Time…”
By Agatha Achindu
Chief Yummy Officer- Yummy Spoonfuls ™ Organic Baby Food
Every company seems to be jumping on the DHA/ARA bandwagon. Baby food and formula manufacturers have embraced these additives, saying their products will make our babies smarter and healthier. Imagine—a baby food that will deliver better brain development! Who wouldn’t want that for their child?
Here at Yummy Spoonfuls, we’ve been asked whether we’ll choose these additives to improve our product. First, it’s important to answer a few basic questions: What is DHA/ARA and why do humans need it in their diet?
DHA and ARA belong to a class of fats that naturally occur in certain foods. DHA and ARA provide nutrition that is essential for brain function, eye health, and cardiovascular health, among other things. The undisputed best source of DHA for infants is breast milk. No man-made substance has ever been able to duplicate the dynamic nature of breast milk.
DHA/ARA is a good thing for the diet. We can all benefit from these essential fatty acids by consuming fish, fish oil, grass fed beef, eggs, nuts and flax seeds. Pure, time-honored foods full of good nutrition keep our bodies healthy and strong-and it’s no different for babies and children.
But, make no mistake–the DHA/ARA which is used as an additive in baby foods and formulas is not the same as the substance found in breast milk and nutritious foods. The DHA/ARA food additive comes from chemically extracting single-cell oil from laboratory-grown algae. Commonly, hexane—a toxic substance—is used in this process.
Here at Yummy Spoonfuls, we question the rush to feed yet another additive to our babies. Who knows what the long-term effects might be? No studies have been done to show the long-term effects of these new, highly-processed additives. Babies have sensitive systems, and the benefits of concentrated DHA/ARA are disputed. We believe it is safer to enrich the diet with natural sources of DHA.
Choose wild-caught salmon, sardines and other healthy fish; sea vegetables and mushrooms, whole eggs and grass fed meat are great choices; nuts, nut oils and freshly-ground flax seed can be added to a dish to boost nutrition safely and effectively. The precious oils in these foods do not keep well, so it’s best to use them fresh for the best potency.
In his book In Defense of Food, expert Michael Pollan paints a vivid picture of how food manufacturers use nutritional fads and health claims to sell the unhealthiest of products. Additives are required once nutrition has been stripped from the food. He recommends one practical test: never eat anything your grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.
Simple, clean fresh food is God’s gift to us. Yummy Spoonfuls remains committed to making the purest, best-tasting organic baby food on the planet—with no additives of any kind. That’s something grandmother would approve of!
Cheers
“100% Organic, 100% of the Time…”
By Agatha Achindu
Chief Yummy Officer- Yummy Spoonfuls ™ Organic Baby Food
Every company seems to be jumping on the DHA/ARA bandwagon. Baby food and formula manufacturers have embraced these additives, saying their products will make our babies smarter and healthier. Imagine—a baby food that will deliver better brain development! Who wouldn’t want that for their child?
Here at Yummy Spoonfuls, we’ve been asked whether we’ll choose these additives to improve our product. First, it’s important to answer a few basic questions: What is DHA/ARA and why do humans need it in their diet?
DHA and ARA belong to a class of fats that naturally occur in certain foods. DHA and ARA provide nutrition that is essential for brain function, eye health, and cardiovascular health, among other things. The undisputed best source of DHA for infants is breast milk. No man-made substance has ever been able to duplicate the dynamic nature of breast milk.
DHA/ARA is a good thing for the diet. We can all benefit from these essential fatty acids by consuming fish, fish oil, grass fed beef, eggs, nuts and flax seeds. Pure, time-honored foods full of good nutrition keep our bodies healthy and strong-and it’s no different for babies and children.
But, make no mistake–the DHA/ARA which is used as an additive in baby foods and formulas is not the same as the substance found in breast milk and nutritious foods. The DHA/ARA food additive comes from chemically extracting single-cell oil from laboratory-grown algae. Commonly, hexane—a toxic substance—is used in this process.
Here at Yummy Spoonfuls, we question the rush to feed yet another additive to our babies. Who knows what the long-term effects might be? No studies have been done to show the long-term effects of these new, highly-processed additives. Babies have sensitive systems, and the benefits of concentrated DHA/ARA are disputed. We believe it is safer to enrich the diet with natural sources of DHA.
Choose wild-caught salmon, sardines and other healthy fish; sea vegetables and mushrooms, whole eggs and grass fed meat are great choices; nuts, nut oils and freshly-ground flax seed can be added to a dish to boost nutrition safely and effectively. The precious oils in these foods do not keep well, so it’s best to use them fresh for the best potency.
In his book In Defense of Food, expert Michael Pollan paints a vivid picture of how food manufacturers use nutritional fads and health claims to sell the unhealthiest of products. Additives are required once nutrition has been stripped from the food. He recommends one practical test: never eat anything your grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.
Simple, clean fresh food is God’s gift to us. Yummy Spoonfuls remains committed to making the purest, best-tasting organic baby food on the planet—with no additives of any kind. That’s something grandmother would approve of!
Cheers
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Yummy Spoonfuls on the menu at FIO 360
In a move to optimize children’s health, Yummy Spoonfuls’ award-winning certified organic baby food is now on the menu at Fio360. Fio360—said to be the nation’s first eco-friendly day care center—is known for its chemical-free building design and commitment to organics. Fio360 chose Yummy Spoonfuls to serve at mealtimes, and is offering the product for sale in its retail space. The new alliance represents a strategic move for Yummy Spoonfuls, which has only been available at retail.
Offering the products within a day care setting is consistent with Yummy Spoonfuls’ mission—to start children off with the best possible food. Yummy Spoonfuls’ founder and CEO Agatha Achindu frequently speaks out on the importance of diet as it relates to various childhood diseases, Achindu believes the best baby food is fresh and pure–that means no chemicals, additives or preservatives. While difficult for small businesses to achieve, organic certification remains the consumer’s best assurance of purity, according to Achindu. Achindu’s passion for quality and the health of her baby led her to found Yummy Spoonfuls in 2006.
When Cookie Magazine online conducted a reader’s poll earlier this year, Yummy Spoonfuls was named Number One over 12 other organic brands. This recognition brought Yummy Spoonfuls national attention. Agatha Achindu says her company’s new alliance with Fio360 speaks to the urgency of solving children’s health issues.
“There is so much evidence that toxins in the environment are hurting our children,” says Achindu. “One powerful solution is to buy organic. Fio360 is taking a serious leadership role, by showing how a safe, chemical-free environment nurtures children. Organic food is a major part of that vision. I am so excited that Yummy Spoonfuls can help provide meal solutions for babies at Fio360.”
Fio—from the Latin “to become”—expresses the company’s commitment to early education excellence. Fio360’s core idea centers around whole-child development, with eco-friendly surroundings and organic meals. The center features the Pyramid Learning System; state-of-the-art security; safe, shoeless environment; soothing and stimulating décor; active arts; and a dynamic rooftop playground. Fio360 serves 238 children ages 6 months through 4 years old in their full-time care and learning programs. The innovative Pyramid program was developed by Dr. Jef Van Kuyk. This critically-acclaimed program is used in the Netherlands (one of the world’s most literate countries), as well as Germany, Japan and India.
Founded by Crissy Klaus, Fio360 fulfills her vision of the ideal place to nurture her own children: no PVC plastics, floors with radiant heat, non-toxic cleaning products, kid’s yoga, and of course, organic food. Fio360’s Executive Director Linda Owens, an experienced educator and mother of two successful adult daughters, says that she is so excited to be working with Fio360 and Yummy Spoonfuls to integrate healthy practices into child care across the spectrum, and teach others about the company’s innovative operation.
“We are just thrilled to be using Yummy Spoonfuls at Fio360,” says Owens. “We know that Yummy Spoonfuls has the nutrition to help our babies grow. We are convinced that it is a quality, fresh product.” Owens moved from Phoenix, Arizona to join the company, after 30 years in early childhood education and administration. Owens and her staff believe that Yummy Spoonfuls’ baby food fits right into Fio360’s mission. “This partnership is a wonderful blend of both of our businesses,” says Owens.
Yummy Spoonfuls offers a diverse line of products that are made from all natural ingredients grown without chemical pesticides, nitrates, growth hormones or other harmful substances. The foods are dairy and gluten free and are produced without artificial additives or processing chemicals. Additionally, while many organic food companies heat-treat foods, reducing the available nutrients, Yummy Spoonfuls baby food is fresh-frozen to lock in every available drop of nature’s goodness. Yummy Spoonfuls is available in 3 product lines: Creamy Yummy (Stage 1); Mushy Yummy (Stage 2); and Chunky Yummy (Stage 3).
Offering the products within a day care setting is consistent with Yummy Spoonfuls’ mission—to start children off with the best possible food. Yummy Spoonfuls’ founder and CEO Agatha Achindu frequently speaks out on the importance of diet as it relates to various childhood diseases, Achindu believes the best baby food is fresh and pure–that means no chemicals, additives or preservatives. While difficult for small businesses to achieve, organic certification remains the consumer’s best assurance of purity, according to Achindu. Achindu’s passion for quality and the health of her baby led her to found Yummy Spoonfuls in 2006.
When Cookie Magazine online conducted a reader’s poll earlier this year, Yummy Spoonfuls was named Number One over 12 other organic brands. This recognition brought Yummy Spoonfuls national attention. Agatha Achindu says her company’s new alliance with Fio360 speaks to the urgency of solving children’s health issues.
“There is so much evidence that toxins in the environment are hurting our children,” says Achindu. “One powerful solution is to buy organic. Fio360 is taking a serious leadership role, by showing how a safe, chemical-free environment nurtures children. Organic food is a major part of that vision. I am so excited that Yummy Spoonfuls can help provide meal solutions for babies at Fio360.”
Fio—from the Latin “to become”—expresses the company’s commitment to early education excellence. Fio360’s core idea centers around whole-child development, with eco-friendly surroundings and organic meals. The center features the Pyramid Learning System; state-of-the-art security; safe, shoeless environment; soothing and stimulating décor; active arts; and a dynamic rooftop playground. Fio360 serves 238 children ages 6 months through 4 years old in their full-time care and learning programs. The innovative Pyramid program was developed by Dr. Jef Van Kuyk. This critically-acclaimed program is used in the Netherlands (one of the world’s most literate countries), as well as Germany, Japan and India.
Founded by Crissy Klaus, Fio360 fulfills her vision of the ideal place to nurture her own children: no PVC plastics, floors with radiant heat, non-toxic cleaning products, kid’s yoga, and of course, organic food. Fio360’s Executive Director Linda Owens, an experienced educator and mother of two successful adult daughters, says that she is so excited to be working with Fio360 and Yummy Spoonfuls to integrate healthy practices into child care across the spectrum, and teach others about the company’s innovative operation.
“We are just thrilled to be using Yummy Spoonfuls at Fio360,” says Owens. “We know that Yummy Spoonfuls has the nutrition to help our babies grow. We are convinced that it is a quality, fresh product.” Owens moved from Phoenix, Arizona to join the company, after 30 years in early childhood education and administration. Owens and her staff believe that Yummy Spoonfuls’ baby food fits right into Fio360’s mission. “This partnership is a wonderful blend of both of our businesses,” says Owens.
Yummy Spoonfuls offers a diverse line of products that are made from all natural ingredients grown without chemical pesticides, nitrates, growth hormones or other harmful substances. The foods are dairy and gluten free and are produced without artificial additives or processing chemicals. Additionally, while many organic food companies heat-treat foods, reducing the available nutrients, Yummy Spoonfuls baby food is fresh-frozen to lock in every available drop of nature’s goodness. Yummy Spoonfuls is available in 3 product lines: Creamy Yummy (Stage 1); Mushy Yummy (Stage 2); and Chunky Yummy (Stage 3).
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Emergency dinner (when there is little choice)
If I knew it was going to turnout this well I would have taken pictures. It has been a hectic week with little time to shop, we got the freshest broccoli for the kitchen and I took a crown home to make dinner, little did I know that there was very little in the house (going to the market tomorrow) to add to my luscious broccoli.
I had some organic brown rice pasta in my pantry, organic onion left over from yesterday’s scrambled eggs, few cloves of garlic and olive oil and boy no tomatoes in sight, (I love fresh organic tomatoes, from salads to my stews, jellof rice and traditional soups ) there were also 2 cups of Yummy Spoonfuls™ organic butternut squash defrosting in the refrigerator for tomorrow’s bread ( pls don’t ask) . Oh well, as my mom would say ‘mami you can make it work’.
This actually turned out to be one of the best pasta dishes I have ever made. Boiled my pasta, sautéed onion and garlic in olive oil, needed to give the pasta a creamy base so guess what I added, the 2 cups of butternut squash in the sautéed onion and garlic, added some organic bragg amino liquid to taste, added my cooked pasta, the broccoli got in last. The vibrant green from the lightly cooked broccoli to the deep yellow from the butternut squash, coupled with the brown undertone from the pasta made it look so good. I did not get a chance to taste (yes this happens when you are always cooking) it but oh my it looked really good. Little to say it was on and off the table in seconds.
My five year old is such a picky eater, I tell people all the time that he is truly the reason why our meals are so yummy because he has a difficult palate to please (I know my friends are laughing their heads off saying what an understatement).
Now that the family is well fed, I am going to have my ‘me time’, though it doesn’t sound as exciting as going of to salsa or flying off to Paris or Italy I love a good cup of tea with my boys far away .
Have a wonderful dinner everyone and please remember to feed only that which will nourish your family.
I had some organic brown rice pasta in my pantry, organic onion left over from yesterday’s scrambled eggs, few cloves of garlic and olive oil and boy no tomatoes in sight, (I love fresh organic tomatoes, from salads to my stews, jellof rice and traditional soups ) there were also 2 cups of Yummy Spoonfuls™ organic butternut squash defrosting in the refrigerator for tomorrow’s bread ( pls don’t ask) . Oh well, as my mom would say ‘mami you can make it work’.
This actually turned out to be one of the best pasta dishes I have ever made. Boiled my pasta, sautéed onion and garlic in olive oil, needed to give the pasta a creamy base so guess what I added, the 2 cups of butternut squash in the sautéed onion and garlic, added some organic bragg amino liquid to taste, added my cooked pasta, the broccoli got in last. The vibrant green from the lightly cooked broccoli to the deep yellow from the butternut squash, coupled with the brown undertone from the pasta made it look so good. I did not get a chance to taste (yes this happens when you are always cooking) it but oh my it looked really good. Little to say it was on and off the table in seconds.
My five year old is such a picky eater, I tell people all the time that he is truly the reason why our meals are so yummy because he has a difficult palate to please (I know my friends are laughing their heads off saying what an understatement).
Now that the family is well fed, I am going to have my ‘me time’, though it doesn’t sound as exciting as going of to salsa or flying off to Paris or Italy I love a good cup of tea with my boys far away .
Have a wonderful dinner everyone and please remember to feed only that which will nourish your family.
Pesticides and toxic chemicals are increasingly linked to serious health problems
As we know, pesticides and toxic chemicals are increasingly linked to serious health problems – especially for our children, whose developing bodies are more vulnerable to chemical exposures. We’d like to believe our government is effectively policing the safety of our food and the containers they are packaged in, but it’s not that simple.To help reduce pesticide in our kids world:buy organic or fruits and veggies that are low in pesticide. Avoid toxin chemicals: BPA & PFCS etc, make sure food containers are BPA free etc thus will not leach chemicals into food. Avoid growth hormones by choosing organic meats and dairy, visit your local farmer though not certified organic they usually have some pretty good ‘real’ natural stuff that you can use.
www.yummyspoonfuls.com
www.yummyspoonfuls.com
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