Last Updated on November 29, 2023 by Cathy
As you’re cleaning up your diet by avoiding processed foods, refined sugar, and sugary drinks. It’s also important to pay attention to what cookware you are using to prepare your food. You should be using non-toxic cookware.
We’re living in a toxic world with many chemicals surrounding us. It’s in our food, water, and the air we breathe. We absorb chemicals through our skin and what we put in our mouths. Our produce also absorbs chemicals through its skin from pesticides. And mouth when the animals eat from the feed. Our food also absorbs chemicals from our cookware.
Are you still using non-stick cookware? If so, your healthy food may contain toxins. Non-stick cookware contains chemicals that could cause major health issues including cancer. When it’s heated up it begins to break down releasing toxic chemicals into the air and your food.
Aluminum
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, aluminum may cause damage to the mitochondria. Mitochondria is a specialized part of a cell in our body. It contains enzymes responsible for producing energy.
Current researches show that any impairment in mitochondrial functions may play a major role in many human disorders including neurodegenerative disorders.
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative disease. It causes axonal injury, neuronal loss, and atrophy of the central nervous system. It is a result of chronic inflammation. Neurodegenerative diseases include ALS, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s, MS, and Parkinson’s disease. It is a known fact that the environment contributes to the risk of developing one of these diseases.
Copper
Copper cookware distributes heat pretty evenly making it a popular choice. It is a heavy metal and in small amounts, it’s essential for our health. It’s found in the air, rocks, soil, and water. We get most of our copper from water pipes.
But, when you also cook with copper cookware you’re exposing yourself to too much copper. An overexposure to copper becomes a health hazard. It can lead to diarrhea, dizziness, gut pains, headaches, and nausea. It can even leave a metallic taste in your mouth.
Teflon
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is commonly known as Teflon. It is less expensive and easy to clean making it a popular choice. A chemical used in Teflon called perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) is very toxic. For safety concerns, it was to be slowly phased out.
It’s still used in the manufacturing process. But most of it burns off leaving only a small amount so DuPont (the manufacturer) claims it’s safe. However, when Teflon reaches 500° F it releases gases into the air and food.
Many different products use Teflon. Such as carpet cleaning products, microwave popcorn bags, and waterproof fabric. Studies linked PFOA exposure with infertility, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, and testicular cancer. When the gases are released it can be deadly to birds. – This should be a warning sign to us.
Detoxing
Our body works hard to remove toxins. But when we have chronic inflammation our body could use some help. To avoid further inflammation it’s best to buy non-toxic cookware. Like stainless steel, cast iron, ceramic, and glass.
Unfortunately, cooking from non-toxic cookware gets expensive. Which I hate and you probably do too. I’m ALWAYS looking for a good deal so I would like to share what I’ve learned. First, it’s important to understand that even healthier cookware needs special care. This will help to prevent damage and to make them last longer. Even though they do cost more it’s better for your health.
Cast Iron
If you need to avoid iron then you should avoid cast iron. But for the rest of us, cast iron is a good option and it gives you a small amount of iron. You also want to avoid cooking acidic foods like lemon juice, tomatoes, and vinegar.
When you properly care for your cast iron cookware it will last for decades. We have a cast-iron skillet that we’ve used for decades. WikiHow has a great video on how to care for your cast iron.
Cast iron skillets I recommend:
Lodge 12” Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
T-fal 12″ Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Skillet
Enamel Coated Cast Iron
This is my favorite cast iron but again it takes extra care so you don’t damage the enamel. Never use harsh abrasives like steel wool when cleaning the enamel. With proper care, it can last a long time.
I love using my Lodge Dutch oven to roast a whole chicken or make soup. Check out some of my soup recipes, they are delicious!
Delicious Soup Recipes:
Creamy Chicken “Zoodle” Soup
Dairy-Free Sweet Potato Soup
Easy Paleo Chicken Vegetable Soup
Enamel coated cast iron skillets I recommend:
Le Creuset Enamel Coated 10-1/4″ Skillet
Lodge Enamel Coated 11” Skillet
Ceramic
Glazed ceramics are generally safe and include things like ceramic dishes and inserts like in most slow-cookers. But, if you have an older item that’s cracked or damaged there’s a possible chance of heavy metal leakage.
Make sure the glaze is lead-free, most glazed ceramics from the U.S. are safe. Imports from countries like China don’t have as strict environmental laws. Their products have higher amounts of lead.
Glazed ceramic cookware I recommend:
Cuisinart GreenGourmet Cookware Set
Ceramic cookware I recommend:
Clay
Contaminated clay could have heavy metals or other unwanted materials. It depends on the quality of the product you choose. Check with the manufacturers to find out how often they test their clay.
Clay cookware I recommend:
Pampered Chef Stoneware Bar Pan
Glass
Glass is great to use, the best part about glass is it won’t leach anything into your food. Plus, it’s convenient for going from the oven to serving, then to the refrigerator or freezer. Don’t go straight from hot to cold or the glass will break, let it cool first.
I love using Pyrex and CorningWare since I avoid plastic. Even my adult son is hooked on using them. I use them for everything, they even have some sets with plastic lids that are BPA-free.
This is the pattern from the first CorningWare that I bought many years ago.
Glass cookware I recommend:
Pyrex Bakeware and Food Storage
Pyrex 6-piece Rectangular Set with lids
CorningWare French White Round Bakeware Set
Stainless Steel
I do the majority of my cooking on stainless steel cookware. My favorite is a 12″ 5-quart pan that my husband and I bought decades ago. It cost a little more but it’s been worth it. I’m able to double my recipes and save half of it for a later time.
I also love my 12″ skillet for cooking and baking. I use this often so it’s a good idea to splurge a little for a good quality brand that will last a long time. Stainless steel is safe to use in the oven up to 500° F as long as the handle is also stainless steel.
Don’t use abrasives to clean your stainless steel. Oftentimes, it includes other metals to help distribute the heat better. If it’s scratched or damaged it can leach heavy metals into your food.
It’s best to soak the stainless steel to soften up any burnt-on areas. Baking soda helps to remove any tough spots. If that doesn’t work fill it with water and bring it to a boil, turn the heat off and add 2-3 tablespoons of salt. Then, let the pan sit for several hours before cleaning it again.
Le Creuset 14-piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
KitchenAid 10-piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Cuisinart 12-piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Cook N Home 12-piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set
Air Fryers
Air fryers are becoming very popular. But, the majority of them have a Teflon coating in the basket area. If you want to avoid Teflon (and you should) then you are going to have to spend a little bit more money. But, isn’t your health worth it?
With a little spray of oil, you can cook vegetables like asparagus, kale chips, and sweet potato fries. It’s also great for air-frying beef, chicken, fish, or bacon. Add a little garlic powder or onion powder to whatever you’re cooking and it’s delicious!
Chefman Air Fryer, Rotisserie, Dehydrator, and Convection Oven
Cuisinart TOA-60 Convection Toaster Air Fryer with oven rack
Louise Sturhling All-Natural Ceramic Coated Air Fryer
Ninja AF161 Max XL with Ceramic-Coated Nonstick Basket
What is the best non-toxic cookware?
To lower your inflammation overload in your body, it helps to remove as many toxins as possible. That includes what you cook your food with. Although they all have their plus and minuses it will depend on what you will use it for as to which one is the best.
I use a combination of these products since I cook all our meals. Granted, it is more expensive but if you take care of your non-toxic cookware it can last a lifetime.
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Resources:
https://www.ewg.org/key-issues/consumer-products/cookware
https://www.ewg.org/enviroblog/2015/05/teflon-killing-canaries-and-american-dream
IKEA has stainless steel pans (and they are trying to use more sustainable cotton)
Thanks for the tip!