Preparing the meal can be confusing and health-risky. In this modern time where we are pampered with technologies and everything, several health concerns arise. Even the way we prepare the foods or the utensils we use for the cooking matter. They can affect not only the taste of the food but also the quality. So, what is the healthiest cookware? And what is the best cookware you should have or avoid at home?
The Most Common Issue
Let’s face it: We all use cookware every day. Without it, there won’t be food on the table. However, there are some concerns about the cookware, mostly about them leaching out some substances to the food and ‘poison’ us. We have different kinds of cookware out there and yet each of them has its own flaws. Some are suspected to leach heavy metals and chemicals that can disrupt the hormone. Of course, not all of the cookware is dangerous. But then again, which one is safe, which one is rather safe, and which one is completely safe?Aluminum
Traditional and old-school cookware was mostly made from aluminum. Aluminum is quite popular because it is easy to use, easy to clean, and lightweight. However, when you use aluminum cookware quite often at high heat, you can be exposed to it. It is most likely that the exposure happens through foods because aluminum leaches some of its contents and transfers it to the food. There are several studies that show that there may be a relation between aluminum exposure with the neurological issue, Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer. More studies are still needed but if you want to be on the safe side, avoid using aluminum.Teflon and Similar Substances
When you wonder about what is the healthiest cookware, the name Teflon often comes to mind. Who doesn’t know it? The name is often associated with easy cooking and easy cleaning because the food won’t stick.You see, the original non-stick cookware was coated with PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) or PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). The PTFE was then developed and changed into a name we know so well today, the Teflon. The problem with Teflon happened when studies found out that the coating compounds are actually harmful. According to studies, the coating would degrade at high temperature. As a result, it will release fine particles to the air that can be toxic when you inhale it. Not to mention that the cookware itself can contaminate the food.
However, there are different claims about Teflon. The company said that they had stopped using the dangerous PFOA compounds in 2013. They claimed that all of their products after 2013 are safe and they always include the details (whether using the PFOA or PTFE). If your heart is still with Teflon, you can consider buying newer products. And make sure that it doesn’t contain PTFE or PFOA. The risk is yours, anyhow.
Ceramic
There are some different opinions about ceramic being safe or not for cooking. While some are said to be completely safe, the others are reported to have high contents of heavy metals and lead. In general, there are some Ceramic Cookware Made in USA that are claimed to be the safest, such as the Xtrema Cookware.They are claimed to be very safe (yes, they have been tested) although they can break easily. The cookware is safe as long as it isn’t excessively decorated or glazed. There are many perks presented by the cookware. They are easy to clean and pretty tough too. The cookware can hold in flavor and heat evenly. They are also safe for the stove, microwave, oven, and dishwasher. And you may surprise to know that most of the Best Dishwasher Safe Cookware made with ceramic.
What about coated ceramic? This is another controversy. When compared to the regular ceramic, the coated ceramic is considered less safe – yes, because of the coating. However, more and more manufacturers claim that their products are completely safe and made from natural substances. But then again, if you want to play it safe, and you are in favor of the ceramic, go with the regular one instead of the coated type.
Stainless Steel
Although stainless steel is claimed to be safe, there are also some concerns with chromium and nickel leaching. The leach happens especially when you cook something acidic when you use high temperature, or when you cook for a long time.If you are a homeowner looking for an option to cook safely and inexpensively, the stainless steel can be a decent pick. For now, there isn’t 100% safest stainless steel cookware out there, but you can always do your research well. If you are shopping for a stainless steel pan, find number 18 on the product and take a look at the number following it. There are numbers like 18/0, 18/10, or 18/8. The number 18 represents chromium while the second one represents nickel. If the second number is lower, then the nickel content is low. The lower the number, the better (and healthier) it is.
Cast Iron
For most people, cast iron is considered ideal because it is easy to clean. And although it is claimed to leach a small amount of iron, it is considered an added benefit – as long as it is still within a safe level. The proper cleaning and maintenance are not to clean it with Brillo pad and soap. If you can do it, you can preserve the natural non-stick surface. It can hold in the flavor as well as delivering even heat. The main downside is when you have to cook something acidic because it will result in the off flavor. Just season it before cooking.Glass
It is the safest type of cookware that won’t leach compounds into the food. Unfortunately, it breaks easily and it can be pretty expensive. You can see that most of the cooking ware for baking or for the oven is made from glass.So, what is the healthiest cookware out there? For now? There is no 100% safest or healthiest, really, unless for the glass. But glass cookware can be difficult to find and they cost a lot. The best thing that you can do is to have different kinds of cookware and use them in turns. This is the most ideal scenario to avoid food contamination and health risks while preparing for your daily consumption.
