How to Choose Non-toxic Cookware?

There are many types of cookware on the market, and how to choose cookware is a tricky thing for everyone. Generally speaking, if your cooking is poisonous, even the healthiest diet can cause health complications. This article mainly sorts out some of the most dangerous cooking utensils, and will tell you how to find a safer choice.

 

1. Teflon Cookware

 

Many people choose Teflon as a non-stick material because it is convenient and ubiquitous. This is also the most dangerous.

 

The non-stick properties of PTFE cookware are realized by the PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) coating. PTFE is a plastic polymer. When heated to higher than 300°C, it will start to leach toxins. These toxic fumes can cause flu-like symptoms, which is called polyethylene glycol smoke fever, informally known as Teflon flu. They are not only dangerous to humans, but also deadly to pet birds, such as parrots.

 

Another compound found in Teflon cookware is PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), which is associated with many types of cancer, including breast, prostate, and ovarian cancer. Although it is believed that the content of PTFE in PTFE products is very small and is not dangerous to the human body, it is worth noting that it also exists in many other daily products. This is why it is best to limit your contact whenever possible.

 

Other coated non-stick cookware may be PTFE and PFOA-free (such as granite), but it is the only safe to use, and the coating is intact. The coating is thin and easy to peel off. Once cut off, all cooking utensils should be stopped immediately.

 

Why not try this safe alternative, a real cast iron cookware? This is a safe cooking method that can stand the test of time. It heats well, is very even, and can even be seasoned to make it non-sticky. It does not leak any toxic substances into your food, and is actually a great natural way to increase iron levels. If your iron level is good, you can try enameled cast iron cookware, which is safe and convenient to use.

 

2. Aluminum Cookware and Aluminum Foil

 

It is not surprising that aluminum is used so widely. In addition to being the most abundant metal, it is also very strong, lightweight, versatile, and recyclable. However, this is not without its hidden dangers.

 

Aluminum is a neurotoxic metal. Elevated aluminum levels are associated with several central nervous system diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and ALS. Although aluminum cookware is usually coated, the coating is easily broken, releasing toxic metals into the food.

 

There are many variants of aluminum cookware, including press aluminum detachable cookware, die cast aluminium cookware, forged aluminium cookware, aluminum clad stainless steel cookware, etc.

 

If you are worried about the problems caused by the cracking of the coating of aluminum products, you can try this safe alternative, namely glass cookware. This is another security option to consider. It will not release any toxic substances when heated. It is durable, environmentally friendly, and will not block any old tastes or smells. The only disadvantage is that it is not non-sticky, but the price paid for cooking utensils is very small.

 

3. Copper cookware

 

The beautiful copper cookware is very eye-catching. The reason for its popularity is its excellent electrical conductivity and rapid and uniform heating. But did you know that there is actually a danger when using copper in cookware?

 

Like some other heavy metals, copper is very important to human health. But overdose in the body can cause heavy metal poisoning. When copper cookware is not coated, it can release copper when cooking acidic food. When applied, the coating often contains nickel, which is another toxic element.

 

Stainless steel cookware can replace the use of copper cookware. High quality stainless steel cookware is relatively light and scratch resistant, and can be seasoned to make it non-sticky!

 

You had better buy food-grade stainless steel cookwaren or fully clad stainless steel cookware, this type does not contain any nickel or chromium.