How Safe is Your Cookware?
To assist you with choosing the best cookware, we have prepared a list of materials that are the safest for you and your family.
22/04/2020
Not only the quality of the food we eat profoundly influences our well-being and health, but also the tools and cooking techniques we apply. The impact of organic food is often emphasized, and we all know it should be free of such dangerous chemicals as pesticides. However, it is not always explained that even if we buy high-quality nutritional products, their properties can be ruined by poor-quality cookware that leaches heavy metals or other detrimental substances into them. Healthy cookware is an essential part of keeping you and your family in good shape.
Scientists have shown that the structure of aluminum and non-stick cookware frying pans, skillets, pots, etc. includes harmful chemicals. Therefore, using such reactive cookware can result in food absorbing dangerous toxins that can cause diverse health problems. Apart from that, certain substances may also pollute the environment and create health risks in the production process.
In order to help you in choosing the best cookware, we have prepared a list of materials that are the safest for you and your family.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel emerges by combining chromium and iron. This alloy is stable and not as prone to leaching as most other metals. However, you need to be careful not to damage it, so avoid scouring it roughly with a metal sponge. What is more, it is advisable not to let salty or acidic food be kept in stainless steel cookware for a long time. It is often appreciated for its durability and versatility, so just use it wisely, and you will be all right.
Cast Iron
Cast iron cookware is appreciated by many home chefs, as it provides food with a characteristic flavor that other types of pans and pots cannot reach. Moreover, it is very durable and has excellent non-stick properties (if appropriately seasoned). It is usually quite expensive, but as it can last very long, it is a good value for money.
Some of the iron can leach to your food, but it is not bad for your health. Actually, it is even recommended for people with anemia. However, if you have hemochromatosis, a disorder making it possible for your body to cumulate too much iron in your blood, you should avoid this kind of cookware.
Stone
It is strongly recommended to use stone cookware because it is entirely toxin-free. However, while choosing the best product for you, note that it should be made with lead-free clay. In this way, you will not have to worry about what little flecks of chemical coating are making their way into your meals. Apart from that, it is heavy-duty, and you will undoubtedly be able to use it for a long time. Also, it is highly appreciated by egg lovers, as it helps them in preparing a delicious and healthy omelet without any difficulties.
Ceramic
Ceramic cookware was even used in ancient Greece and China, and it is still very popular. Nowadays, high-quality pans or pots made with this material do not contain PFOA or any heavy metals, so they are eco-friendly and safe for our health. Although ceramic cookware may be pricey, it is worth investing in, because while using it, you can be sure that no dangerous chemicals will leach into your food. What is more, it is very durable, so after spending some more money on it, you will be able to use it for a surprisingly long time.
Carbon steel
This alloy is a mixture of 99% iron and only 1% carbon, and it provides you with an amazingly solid surface that absorbs heat quickly and effectively. It can be used by chefs to reach extremely high temperatures without being afraid to destroy the cookware. As there are no non-stick coatings applied, it is not dangerous for your health. Moreover, it is a long-lasting product that can be an excellent choice even for busy chefs.
Copper
Copper cookware is excellent at conducting heat, and it has an attractive, elegant look with its characteristic color. Apart from that, it is durable and free of harmful substances, so it can be used safely for a long time. However, people with Wilson’s disease should avoid it because they have difficulties with metabolizing dietary copper, resulting in its constant cumulation in the organs. Also, you should check if there is no tin or nickel coating on your cookware because those substances can be harmful to your health.
Why you should avoid Teflon
Teflon cookware still seems to be quite common, but in fact, it should be avoided, as it contains perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). This substance still needs more research, but it is very probable that it can enlarge the risk of many types of cancer, including kidney and bladder. It is not a massive change in your life to replace cookware, and this small step can lower the chemical exposure to your family. You may hear that Teflon is perfectly safe, but do not be fooled, because, in fact, toxic fumes from this material are spreading around your kitchen when the pan is heated up.