Cookware and your Health

Do you consider your cookware when you think of leading a healthier lifestyle? You should! There is some compelling research to show why.

Over time, companies can change their practices and what they use, and where they manufacture their products. This information is up to date at the time of publishing it, always be sure you do research that is current before buying any cookware. Did you know, that those with kidney disease should avoid aluminum? This not only includes aluminum in your deodorant and other health care products but also in your cookware. Don't forget about aluminum foil. Both aluminum foil and cookware with aluminum release this toxic metal into the foods you eat putting unnecessary strain on the kidneys.

Which types of cookware are toxic?

• Teflon has PTFE and PFOA - PTFE is dangerous to people and pets, for birds it can be fatal. PFOA has been linked to several different types of cancer,

• Aluminum (including aluminum foil) is a neurotoxic metal. Elevated aluminum levels have been linked to several central nervous system diseases, including Alzheimer's. Though aluminum cookware is usually coated, the coating is easy to chip, which then allows the toxic metal to leach into your food.

• Copper is good in small quantities. However, too much leads to heavy metal poisoning. If copper cookware isn't coated, it can still release copper when cooking acidic foods. When it's coated, the coating often contains nickel, which is another toxic element.

• Nickel is often used to line copper and stainless steel pots and pans. Unfortunately, nickel is one of the most toxic metals, some say that only a small amount of nickel is released into your food and probably won't cause any problems unless you are allergic to nickel. Without more studies to prove it is safe, it's recommended to try and avoid it. If you own cookware with nickel keep in mind it releases more nickel at higher temperatures and when cooking acidic foods.

Which types of cookware are safe? *Please always do your own research, be sure that the cookware recommended is in fact safe for your personal use and avoid allergens and other metals you may react to.

• Ceramic coated is a safe option and has both pros and cons. 100% ceramic cookware, not ceramic nonstick cookware, has some natural non-stick properties, and does not leach or emit potentially harmful fumes. So, ceramic cookware is a top choice for non-toxic cookware. It is also eco-friendly and long-lasting if maintained correctly. So what's the con? It may not be as non-stick as some of those toxic non-stick pans, but with the correct oils and temperatures for cooking it is easy to use and nearly non-stick.

• Stainless steel is very durable and can be non-toxic or low toxic if you avoid products that have nickel and chromium. Do you really need to avoid these toxic metals? Not necessarily, it depends on the manufacturer, how much they use and how it's designed. I highly recommend these cookware products, see my recommendations by clicking HERE!

• Cast iron is a good choice for non-toxic cookware. However, it's the cookware with the most cons. It's heavy, some find it harder to clean. It's porous so for families with allergies or needing to avoid gluten, for example, you cannot share a cast iron skillet.

As more research is done you may find more cookware to avoid or to consider. It's always a great idea to do your own research and always look at dates of articles written and of research done on this subject.