I know the subject of cookware may seem a bit out of place in a course called “Advancing Your Health with Real Food”. But what good is trying to avoid chemicals, preservatives, pesticides, etc. in our food if when you cook it you are inadvertently poisoning it with toxins?
Let’s briefly look at a few types of cookware and where they stand.
Cookware to Avoid
Teflon (Non-Stick) Cookware
Teflon is a carcinogenic substance that is used to coat pans, making them easier to cook with. When it is heated, such as in a coated pan or microwave popcorn bag, it releases toxic fumes that are so harmful they are known to kill birds! Teflon is also used to coat food packaging like fast foods and microwavable popcorn bags; and in everything from stain-resistant carpet and stain-resistant clothing. With this substance being so common place, it is believed that Teflon is found in 95% of the populations blood. (Trusted.MD)
Teflon chemicals, ammonium perfluorooctanoate, known as C-8, have been found in the blood of workers in Teflon (DuPont) factories. There are known cases of female workers, who became pregnant while employed at the factory, giving birth to babies with various birth-defects. (ABC News 20/20 did a story on this that is sadly no longer available in their archives…I wonder why? Well happily someone copied it so that it would be available for other to view, see this link Teflon is Poison.)
If you have any teflon (non-stick) cookware in your home, I would suggest that you…Get rid of it immediately!
Aluminum & Hard-Anodized Cookware
Aluminum is linked to increased rates of Alzheimer’s Disease. Aluminum is a widely recognized nerve toxin and has been shown to induce neurochemical changes. (Mercola.com)
For years people have known how aluminum salts can leach from a pan or pot and into the food being cooked, especially if it is acidic. This is the very reason why aluminum-lined cookware is strictly prohibited in some countries like France, Germany, Great Britain, Belgium, Hungary, Brazil and Switzerland.
Avoid all aluminum pans and cookware, there are much better options.
Stainless-Steel Cookware
Stainless-Steel cookware is a much better option to cook with than aluminum or Teflon cookware. But even stainless-steel cookware has been shown to leach metals into your food, such as nickel and chromium. This can be harmful to your health. (Healthy Child Healthy World)
If you have stainless-steel cookware that you must use, you can minimize leaching of metals by cooking on low heat with wooden utensils only. Metal utensils scratch the surface and release more metals.
If possible get rid of your stainless-steel cookware or use it minimally…choosing better cookware for most of your cooking (which you’ll find listed below).
Cookware to Fall in Love With
- Glass Cookware & Bakeware
- Stoneware
- Cast Iron & Enameled Cast Iron
- Ceramic Cookware & Bakeware
These four types of cookware above are healthy options when it comes to cooking your food. When shopping for these types of cookware, watch out for items made in China as they could contain lead. Buy reputable brands of these cookwares. And do your research! (yes homework is a must)
A Note on Cast Iron Cookware: This cookware has been around for many many years. When “seasoned” and used properly it is naturally non-stick. If you have a glass-top stove you can still use cast iron cookware. Buy either enameled cast iron or look for pans with flat smooth bottoms. Use care when setting a cast iron pan on your glass-top range and do not slide it around or you could crack/scratch the surface. Since cast iron heats so evenly and efficiently you need to reduce the heat to medium or less to get the same results of other pans.
A Note on Ceramic Cookware / Bakeware: This cookware is much lighter than cast iron, but in-turn is a little more delicate as well. It heats evenly and is mostly non-stick when used properly and also needs less heat to cook with. This cookware can go from stove top, to oven, to table. The ceramic will keep your food warm long after you have cooked it. For more information you can see my review of this cookware / bakeware. (Xtrema Ceramic Cookware *Review* and Xtrema Ceramic Bakeware *Review*)
Please comment below and share what types of cookware you use frequently. What are you doing to try to remove toxins from your home in the form of cookware?