4 Types Of Toxic Cookware To Avoid And 4 Safe Alternatives
anjala farahath .
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We have begun to change our lifestyles to a healthier one. From switching over to healthy food to engaging in hardcore workouts, to even changing our sedentary lifestyles to active ones, we have left no stone unturned. But have you ever wondered what effect your cookware has on the healthy food that you cook in it? It’s time you wonder. There are hidden dangers residing in your kitchen. When we subject our food to pots, pans, and plastics made out of toxic material, we are allowing a free-flowing transfer of chemicals into our food. The market has many cookware like nonstick, Teflon, stainless steel, aluminum, etc. that promote easy cleaning and easy usage.
But some of this cookware could be secretly discharging toxic substances and chemicals into your food. Would you really want to risk yours and your family’s health? Are these cookware actually health threats masquerading as pretty pots and pans? It is important to know your cookware before making your purchase. After all, it’s like picking out healthy food from the grocery store — you need to be sure that it’s devoid of any health risks. Hence, we have curated a list of the harmful cookware that you should show the door to.
1. Throw The Teflon Away
Have you seen those smooth, soft, and slippery pots and pans in your kitchen? These are every kitchen’s favorite as they don’t let the food to stick to the surface. Of course, they are easy to clean (just like the adverts show you), they don’t require dollops of liquid soap to get rid of the food glued to the bottom. But most of us are unaware of the underlying hazards of the Teflon coating. Teflon, also known as PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) is a synthetic polymer. This coating on the utensils releases toxic fumes when heated for too long. It causes flu-like symptoms, and increases the risk of high cholesterol, thyroid dysfunction, and infertility (1), (2). Also, nonstick cookware can easily seep other toxic elements into the food. Adding to the Pandora’s Box, the perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) that is used to make Teflon has carcinogenic properties (3).
Safe Alternative: Cast Iron Cookware
One of the oldest and safest cookware is the cast iron cookware. It not only heats well and keeps you away from toxic chemicals seeping into your food, but it also imparts some essential iron into your food. And that’s a good mineral that you should have. Additionally, cast iron cookware is durable and evenly distributes the heat on the utensil. And if you wish to make it nonstick, you can season it (use oil and bake it).
2. Say No To Aluminium
We don’t blame you if you have let the aluminum vessel sit in your kitchen, like, forever now. After all, it is the most abundantly available metal that is strong, keeps the food warm, is versatile, and lightweight. But, aluminum has been found to have a strong influence on humans as it causes Alzheimer’s disease (4). Aluminum is a known neurotoxin that will only contribute to an ongoing disease or toxicity.
Safe Alternative: Glass Cookware
If you want to keep your food warm for long, opt for glass cookware. It’s a fool-proof cookware that releases no foul smell or toxic substances. Also, there are microwave-safe options available these days. Plus, it’s easy to use! Their only con is their longevity, which is limited by breakage.
3. Don’t Get Deceived By The Shiny Copper Utensils
Copper cookware is the choice of many because of its conductive properties. As the trend has it, take a stroll down the supermarket and you will see shelves flooded with copper bottles, copper mugs, copper utensils, and all things copper! You will also hear a couple of salesmen telling you that it is great for your health. Next time you hear any of that trumpery, show them this piece of information:
When copper cookware that isn’t coated is heated, it leaves huge amounts of toxic copper in the food. This can lead to heavy metal poisoning (5). Even a nickel coating is highly dangerous.
Safe Alternative: Stainless Steel
There is a catch — always buy food-grade stainless steel cookware. This material stands the test of time and also (like it is rightly monikered) doesn’t get any scratches on the surface.
4. Don’t Let Ceramic-Coated Cookware Cheat You
Buying ceramic cookware is a little tricky. It’s all fancy and durable, but it is safe only when it is 100 percent ceramic. Cookware that boasts of a ceramic coat starts chipping. The lead and cadmium in the coating seep into the food, thus leading to food poisoning. You definitely don’t want to end up with headaches, abdominal pains, and fertility issues.
Safe Alternative: 100 % Ceramic
Go for ceramic cookware that isn’t glazed or coated with lead. If you have these in your kitchen, you have the safest of the cookware. It is derived from natural materials and is devoid of any toxins.
Cookware is something we don’t pay much heed to. But, these are the silent killers in our kitchen that really need to be paid attention to. We are rushing to equip ourselves with some non-toxic cookware. What about you?
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