In our quest for healthier eating habits, many of us opt for organic and unprocessed foods to avoid harmful chemicals. However, it’s not just the food we eat that can impact our health; the materials used in our cookware can also be potentially harmful.
Teflon, a popular nonstick coating, is made with PFAS chemicals, which are known as forever chemicals because they break down slowly in the environment and accumulate in the body. These chemicals have been linked to serious health issues such as cancer and reproductive problems. While there isn’t strong evidence linking aluminum cookware to an increased risk of dementia, it’s still important to consider non-coated cookware options like stainless steel, carbon steel, and cast iron as alternatives to Teflon.
Ceramic-coated cookware is another option that is unlikely to contain harmful chemicals. In Consumer Reports’ tests, brands like Caraway and Greenpan received top ratings for their ceramic coatings, while Tramontina and Staub stood out among cast-iron pans. When choosing ceramic-coated cookware, make sure it’s PFAS-free or PTFE-free and follow the manufacturer’s use and care instructions. Using soft utensils and avoiding stacking can help prolong the life of your cookware.
In addition to cookware, it’s also important to consider potential harmful substances that can enter our food through packaging materials such as microplastics and plastic chemicals like BPA. To reduce exposure, consider switching to glass or stainless-steel food storage containers and using utensils made from other materials like silicone or wood.
By being mindful of the materials we use in our cooking equipment and making informed choices, we can reduce the risk of harmful substances entering our food and impacting our health.