Is Your Cookware Threatening Your Health And Making Healthy Cooking Difficult?

Healthy cooking is not only about the food you buy but also about the cookware and preparation methods that you use, so find out which cookware is safer to use by reading further.

It depends on the source of the information as to whether a particular type is considered to be a threat to your health and not good for healthy cooking, but I have listed below the various types of cookware and you can decide for yourself. After all why take a chance with your health!

Nonstick pans

These allow you to cook with little or no oil and are therefore a healthy option. Store with a piece of kitchen towel in the pan to stop scratching of the non stick surface. Clean immediately after use to avoid scratching while trying to get dried food off.

Cast iron

Cast iron is very heavy and slow heating. It adds iron to the diet which can be a good thing, but should not be used to cook acidic foods.

Stainless steel

Made of a combination of iron and other metals it is not a good conductor of heat. A pot or pan made of stainless steel, but with a copper base works well. All stainless steel contains chromium, and perhaps nickel, titanium and molybdemum. There are no known health hazards arising out of the small amounts of these elements that may leach out, but it is advisable not to store food in the fridge in a stainless steel pot.

Copper

Copper pots are usually lined with tin or stainless steel. The lining should be checked for damage or wear, as enough copper can be released to make you sick, particularly if you are cooking acidic foods.

Enamel cookware

Enamel cookware of high quality is fine for healthy cooking as it won’t chip easily. Should it be chipped it would be better to discard it as the less desirable metal underneath would be exposed.

Wooden bowls

Wooden bowls are ideal for mixing and serving. Do not use for oily foods as the bowl will absorb the oil which will, over time, go rancid and taint the food.

Aluminium

Considered safe but with so many alternatives why take the chance? The fear of aluminium leaching into the food and causing Alzheimer’s has not been proven, and it is said that the small amounts released are less than the amounts contained in many antacids and buffered aspirin.

Glass

Glass is safe for cooking and is the best container for storing food in the refrigerator. Avoid sudden extreme temperatures as the glass may crack.

Pottery

When buying pottery items to cook in, ensure that the glaze does not contain lead. Unglazed ceramic bake ware can be used safely but don’t use soap when cleaning it as the soap will be absorbed and your next meal will taste of it.

Plastic ware

To be on the safe side rather use glass to cook or store food, as soft plastics can release hormone disrupting chemicals that can affect your health. It is very difficult to avoid soft plastic completely as most produce is wrapped in it when it comes from the super market. Plastic is also used to line cartons containing drinks. If you use cling film try and get “non PVC” film.

Bamboo steamers

These are ideal for steaming vegetables and being made from a completely natural product, are the best to use for really healthy cooking.

They will not affect the food in any way and the best thing is that they can be stacked on top of each other to cook various vegetables at the same time.

Go to cooking methods and food storage for more information on healthy food.